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Jan 6 (Reuters) - Rig contractor Ensco Plc ESV.N said
Brazilian oil producer Petrobras PETR4.SA has ended a contract
for a drillship over allegations of corruption.
Petroleo Brasileiro SA, or Petrobras, chartered the DS-5 in
2008, when it was owned by Pride International, a company Ensco
bought in 2011.
Petrobras said in a notice on Monday that Pride had
knowledge that the rig's shipbuilder made "improper payments" to
a marketing consultant who then shared the money with former
employees of Petrobras, Ensco said. (http://1.usa.gov/1JX89dj)
Ensco said it has found no evidence that Pride, the company
or any current or former employees were aware of or involved in
any wrongdoing.
The rig contractor said it planned to assert its legal
rights under the contract.
Ensco's other rigs leased to Petrobras will continue to work
under their contracts, the driller said.
London-based Ensco said it has not been contacted by other
Brazil government authorities regarding alleged wrongdoing.