Suncor Energy and Elliot Investment Management Enter into a Contract

Monday, Suncor Energy (NYSE:SU) announced an agreement with Elliott Investment Management to propose three new independent directors, two of whom would participate on the CEO search committee and establish a new committee to oversee a strategic evaluation of Suncor's downstream retail business.

"These actions build on Suncor's ongoing efforts to enhance safety, reliability, and operational excellence and to restore its industry leadership position," the firm said.

Following the announcement, shares of Suncor jumped before giving up the majority of their initial gains and closing the day up 1.4%.

Suncor said that it will conduct a strategic examination of its downstream retail business in an effort to unlock shareholder value. According to a statement from Suncor, the evaluation would "study and evaluate a broad range of alternatives, including a potential sale of the firm and actions to maximize value."

A committee of independent directors, directed by Board member Russ Girling and composed of newly appointed members, will oversee the research and provide the Board with a proposal.

It is anticipated that the examination would end in the fourth quarter.

Suncor has appointed three new independent board members, effective immediately, as part of its agreement with Elliott. The board of directors now includes Ian Ashby, a former president of BHP Billiton's Iron Ore Customer Sector Group, Chris Seasons, a former president of Devon Canada, and Jackie Sheppard, a former executive vice president of Corporate and Legal Affairs of Talisman Energy Inc.

Kris Smith, Suncor's temporary chief executive officer, indicated that enhancing safety and operational performance is the leadership team's primary objective. "I look forward to working with the Board, including our new directors, to advance our efforts to generate long-term shareholder value, as well as to communicate our progress in accomplishing our debt reduction and other capital allocation goals, and in restoring confidence in Suncor."