Salamander Energy plc (LSE:SMDR) said on October 27, 2014 that it had received a conditional proposal from Ophir Energy Plc (LSE:OPHR) and that it was seeking to clarify details of the potential offer. Salamander first put itself on the block in May 2014. A consortium led by Compañía Española de Petróleos, S.A.U. (CEPSA) and Jynwel Capital Limited has also approached Salamander.

However, the consortium has not given any details of its proposal or any confirmation that an offer would be made, Salamander said. Under UK takeover rules, the bidders have until November 24, 2014 to make clear their intent either to make a firm offer for Salamander or to walk away. The deadline could also be extended if the firms make such a request.

The Sunday Times reported that Ophir Energy and CEPSA were preparing competing takeover bids that could value Salamander at over $442 million. Shares in Salamander rose as much as 24.6% on the London Stock Exchange on Monday, October 27, 2014, morning.