Chesapeake Energy Corp. (NYSE: CHK) announced that Chesapeake Oilfield Operating LLC (COO), its wholly owned subsidiary, has filed a registration statement on Form 10 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. COO currently conducts the operations of Chesapeake’s oilfield services division, Chesapeake Oilfield Services (COS).

The Form 10 contains a preliminary information statement about the potential terms and conditions of a spin-off of COO to Chesapeake Energy Corp. shareholders. It also provides initial information regarding COO as a stand-alone company, including financial, business, risk factor and management information. Immediately prior to completion of the possible spin-off, COO will convert into a corporation and change its name to Seventy Seven Energy Inc. The Form 10 is available at sec.gov and cosus.com. Shareholders who want more complete information regarding the possible spin-off of COO, including the potential benefits and risks associated with the transaction, should consult the Form 10, which may be revised or updated in the future.

Chesapeake intends for the spin-off to be tax-free to its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, other than with respect to any cash received in lieu of fractional shares. To that end, Chesapeake has obtained a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service and expects to obtain an opinion of tax counsel regarding the tax treatment of the spin-off.

Chesapeake has retained Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC as its financial advisor in connection with evaluating strategic alternatives for COS.

Chesapeake is based in Oklahoma City.