PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. – PETROBRAS - Form 6-K
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of December, 2017

PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. – PETROBRAS
———————————————————————————————————
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
 
Avenida República do Chile, 65
20031-912 – Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Federative Republic of Brazil
———————————————————————————————————
(Address of principal executive office)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:  [x] Form 20-F    [ ] Form 40-F
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):  [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):  [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:  [ ] Yes    [x] No
 
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):    n/a 
 

Exercise of Pre-emption Right in the Fourth Bidding Round of areas under
Production Sharing Regime

Rio de Janeiro, December 14, 2017 - Petróleo Brasileiro SA - Petrobras reports
that today it submitted to the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) an
expression of interest to exercise the pre-emption right for the 4th Bid Round
of Exploration Block under the production sharing regime, pursuant to Law
12,351/2010 and Federal Decree 9,041/2017.

Considering the parameters disclosed in CNPE Resolution no. 21 of 2017, after
technical analysis, approval by the Executive Board and resolution within the
Board of Directors, Petrobras decided to express interest in exercising the
pre-emption rights in the following areas, with the minimum percentage of 30% in
each area, focusing on maximizing the value of its portfolio: Dois Irmãos, Três
Marias and Uirapuru.

The amount corresponding to the signature bonus to be paid by the company,
considering the auction results confirm the minimum stake indicated above in
each block, is R$ 945 million.

Petrobras' position in these bidding processes is in line with the fundamentals
of its Strategic Plan, which provides for the sustainability of oil and gas
production, with the continuation of the exploration portfolio strengthening and
partnerships.

It is important to note that Petrobras may increase the percentage of 30%
indicated for the areas where it is exercising its pre-emption rights, forming
consortiums to participate in the bidding processes.

In relation to the areas in which Petrobras has not exercised its pre-emption
right, the company may participate on an equal basis with other bidders, whether
acting as operator or non-operator.

With the conclusion of this round, which might take place in June 2018, the
company will timely communicate to the market the results of its participation,
in compliance with current legislation.


_______________________________________________________________________________________
www.petrobras.com.br/ir
Contacts:
PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. – PETROBRAS | Investor Relations Department | e-mail:
petroinvest@petrobras.com.br
Av. República do Chile, 65 – 10th floor, 1002 – B – 20031-912 – Rio de Janeiro,
RJ | Phone: 55 (21) 3224-1510 / 3224-9947

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are subject to risks and uncertainties.
The forward-looking statements, which address the Company’s expected business
and financial performance, among other matters, contain words such as “believe,”
“expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “optimistic,” “intend,” “plan,” “aim,”
“will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “likely,” and similar expressions.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. There is no
assurance that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. We
undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or for any
other reason.

The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those expressed or
forecast in any forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of
assumptions and factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the
following: (i) failure to comply with laws or regulations, including fraudulent
activity, corruption, and bribery; (ii) the outcome of ongoing corruption
investigations and any new facts or information that may arise in relation to
the “Lava Jato Operation”; (iii) the effectiveness of the Company’s risk
management policies and procedures, including operational risk; and (iv)
litigation, such as class actions or proceedings brought by governmental and
regulatory agencies.  A description of other factors can be found in the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016, and
the Company’s other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
    PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. – PETROBRAS
     
Date: December 14, 2017 By: /s/ Ivan de Souza Monteiro

  Name:  Ivan de Souza Monteiro
  Title: Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations Officer