Sterling Resources Completes Sale of a Portion of the Midia Block in the Romanian Black Sea

CALGARY, Jan. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - Sterling Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SLG) ("Sterling" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the sale of its 65 percent interest in a portion of the Midia  Block in the Romanian Black Sea (the "Sale Portion") to ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania and OMV Petrom S.A., originally announced by Sterling on October 19, 2012, (the "Carve-out Transaction") has been completed.  Proceeds of US$29.25 million are due to be received by Sterling within seven days and are subject to Romanian profits tax at a rate of 16 percent.  In the event of future exploration success on the Sale Portion, Sterling will be entitled to further proceeds of US$29.25 million upon a commercial discovery being made and an additional US$19.5 million upon first production from the Sale Portion.

"We are very pleased to see the finalization of this significant transaction," stated Jake Ulrich, Sterling's Chairman and Interim CEO. "The net proceeds will be used to bolster the balance sheet by providing an additional cash buffer.  In addition, completion of the transaction will allow us to move ahead again with a process to sell down our equity interests in all of our Romanian licences.  This process had been held up in 2013 by the delay in being able to complete the Carve-out Transaction," added Mr. Ulrich.

Sterling is a Canadian-listed international oil and gas company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta with assets in the United Kingdom, Romania, France and the Netherlands. The common shares are listed and posted for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange Venture (TSX-V) exchange under the symbol "SLG".

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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Forward-Looking Statements

All statements included in this news release that address activities, events or developments that Sterling expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements.  In addition, statements relating to expected production, reserves or resources are deemed to be forward-looking statements as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the reserves and resources described can be profitably produced in the future.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by Sterling based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances.  In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other-forward looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond Sterling's control, including: the impact of general economic conditions in the areas in which Sterling operates, civil unrest, industry conditions, changes in laws and regulations including the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced, increased competition, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, fluctuations in commodity prices, foreign exchange or interest rates, stock market volatility and obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities. In addition there are risks and uncertainties associated with oil and gas operations.  Readers should also carefully consider the matters discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form.

Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur.  Sterling's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.  These statements speak only as of the date of the news release. Sterling does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Financial outlook information contained in this news release about prospective results of operations, financial position or cash flows is based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on management's assessment of the relevant information currently available.  Readers are cautioned that such financial outlook information contained in this news release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.

SOURCE: Sterling Resources Ltd.

visit www.sterling-resources.com or contact:

Jacob Ulrich, Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer, Phone: [phone], Mobile:  [phone], [email protected] 

David Blewden, Chief Financial Officer, Phone: [phone], Mobile: [phone], [email protected]

George Kesteven, Manager, Corporate and Investor Relations, Phone: [phone], Mobile: [phone], [email protected]