Norse Energy Announces US Subsidiary Files for Chapter 11 Reorganization

7 Dec 2012

Norse Energy Corp. ASA (“NEC” ticker Oslo Stock Exchange,Norway; “NSEEY” ticker U.S. OTC) announces that its USsubsidiary, Norse Energy Corp.USA, has filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 Debtor in Possession (“DIP”) protection and reorganization under the United States Bankruptcy Code.

The purpose of the Chapter 11 petition is to allow the US subsidiary an opportunity to reorganize its business affairs, restructure its debts, and generally protect the interests of all of its stakeholders. The USsubsidiary will seek “DIP” financing to fund its operations and will welcome such proposals from all interested parties.

The Company advises that the subsidiary Chapter 11 filing will likely constitute an event of default under the loan agreement in respect of the NEC convertible callable bond issue 2012/2015 (ISIN NO 001064079.0). This may result in the outstanding bonds in the amount of USD 21 million at the Norse Energy Corp. ASA level being declared to be in default and due for payment, if the bondholders elect to do so.

The Company continues to pursue alternatives to secure funding for the Norwegian parent company, Norse Energy Corp. ASA.

The Company has a significant land position of 130,000 net acres in New York State with certified 2C contingent resources of 951 MMBOE as of 30 June 2012.

                                                                                                                        
For further information, please contact:

Chris Steinhauser, Chief Financial Officer
csteinhauser@norseenergy.com
Office: +1 713 975 1900

S. Dennis Holbrook, Chief Legal Officer
dholbrook@norseenergy.com
Office: +1 716 568 2048