Key Takeaways
- BP (BP) has divested non-controlling interests in its U.S. onshore midstream assets for $1.5 billion, moving closer to its $20 billion divestment target by the end of 2027.
- China has extended its visa-free policy for citizens from several countries, with various trial periods extending into 2026, aiming to revitalize international travel and business.
- The BP (BP) transaction, involving Permian and Eagle Ford basin assets, allows the energy giant to unlock capital while crucially retaining operatorship and control.
- China's expanded visa-free program now encompasses 75 countries, facilitating short-term visits for tourism, business, and family connections.
BP Advances Divestment Strategy with $1.5 Billion Midstream Sale
Energy major BP (BP) announced an agreement to sell non-controlling interests in its U.S. onshore midstream assets to private investor Sixth Street for $1.5 billion. This strategic move is a significant step towards BP's (BP) ambitious target of $20 billion in divestments by the end of 2027, a goal outlined at its Capital Markets Update in February 2025.
The transaction involves BP's (BP) pipelines and facilities located in the Eagle Ford and Permian basins, including four key Permian central processing facilities. Despite the change in ownership, BP (BP) will maintain full operatorship and control over all these strategic assets. The deal is structured in two phases, with approximately $1 billion paid upon signing and the remaining balance expected by year-end, pending regulatory approvals.
Upon completion, BP's (BP) ownership interest in the Permian midstream assets will adjust from 100% to 51%, while its stake in the Eagle Ford midstream assets will reduce from 75% to 25%. The divestment is projected to increase non-controlling interest on BP's (BP) balance sheet, with an anticipated effect on the income statement in the range of $100-$200 million per annum. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as the financial adviser to BP (BP) for this transaction.
China Extends Visa-Free Policies to Boost Global Engagement
In a move to enhance international exchanges and stimulate its economy, China has extended and expanded its visa-free entry policy for citizens of numerous countries, with various trial periods now stretching to the end of 2026. The policy aims to facilitate short-term visits for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, and transit.
Specifically, a trial visa-free policy for nationals from several South American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, is effective from June 1, 2025, until May 31, 2026. Similarly, citizens from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain will benefit from a trial visa-free period from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026.
The broader unilateral visa-free policy, which now covers 75 countries, generally allows stays of up to 30 days, though for many, this particular policy is set to expire on December 31, 2025. This expansion builds on previous policies and has already shown significant impact, with over 20 million foreign visitors entering China without a visa in 2024, doubling the figure from the previous year and accounting for one-third of all foreign arrivals. While facilitating easier entry, it's important to note that these visa exemptions do not permit engaging in work, study, or journalism.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.