Bellatrix Exploration Ltd. (NYSE: BXE) has announced that its syndicate of lenders has approved, subject to completion of final documentation, an increase to the company's borrowing base and credit facilities to $725 million from $625 million. Based upon its semi-annual borrowing base review for November 30, 2014, this 16% increase of $100 million is the result of Bellatrix's strong 2014 drilling results during the first nine months of 2014, combined with benefits derived from its recently announced tuck-in acquisitions, cumulatively delivering significant reserves and production growth. The increased credit facilities will be available to finance Bellatrix's ongoing capital expenditures, working capital requirements, and for general corporate purposes. The company's credit facilities are available on an extendible revolving basis and consist of a $75 million operating facility provided by a Canadian bank and a $650 million syndicated facility provided by nine financial institutions, subject to a borrowing base test. The three-year revolving facilities mature on May 30, 2017, unless extended for a further period not to exceed a maximum term of up to three years. The borrowing base is subject to re-determination on May 31 and November 30 in each year prior to maturity, with the next semi-annual redetermination scheduled to occur on May 31, 2015.

The syndicate was led by National Bank Financial as sole lead arranger and book runner and National Bank of Canada as administrative agent.

Bellatrix is based in Calgary.