DEFA14A 1 ef20077172_defa14a.htm DEFA 14A

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities and Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 1, 2026 (June 29, 2026)

Valaris Limited

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda	001-08097	98-1589854
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Clarendon House, 2 Church Street

Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 44 (0) 20 7659 4660

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☒	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Ticker Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, $0.01 par value share	VAL	New York Stock Exchange
Warrants to purchase Common Shares	VAL WS	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging Growth Company

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

☐

Item 8.01

Other Events.

Certain Transaction Approvals

As previously announced, on February 9, 2026, Valaris Limited, an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Bermuda (“Valaris”), and Transocean Ltd., a Swiss corporation (“Transocean”), entered into a Business Combination Agreement (the “Agreement”). The Agreement provides that, among other things and upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, Transocean will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Valaris (the “Valaris Shares”) in exchange for 15.235 shares of Transocean per Valaris Share (the “Business Combination”).

The closing of the Business Combination is subject to, among other things, the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including (i) Valaris and Transocean obtaining clearance of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and the Business Combination by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”) and (ii) the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (“HSR Act”).

On April 21, 2026, Valaris and Transocean submitted a joint notice for review by CFIUS, and CFIUS accepted the notice for review by letter dated May 14, 2026. On June 29, 2026, Valaris and Transocean received written notice from CFIUS that constitutes CFIUS Approval (as defined in the Agreement). Accordingly, the condition to the Business Combination relating to the obtainment of CFIUS Approval has been satisfied.

Valaris and Transocean each filed an HSR Act notification with the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) on March 2, 2026. Transocean withdrew its filing under the HSR Act on April 1, 2026, and subsequently refiled on April 3, 2026. On May 4, 2026, Valaris and Transocean each received a Request for Additional Information and Documentary Materials (the “Second Request”) from the DOJ in connection with the DOJ’s review of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement. In connection with the Second Request, Valaris and Transocean have committed to the DOJ not to certify substantial compliance with the Second Request before July 31, 2026, and unless the waiting period is terminated earlier by the DOJ, not to close the transaction until 60 days after both Valaris and Transocean certify substantial compliance. The parties continue working cooperatively with the DOJ as it reviews the proposed transaction.

Valaris and Transocean continue to expect to complete the Business Combination in the second half of 2026, subject to receipt of remaining regulatory approvals, the approval by the shareholders of each company, and other customary closing conditions.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, those statements related to the proposed transaction, including financial estimates and statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed transaction. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “project,” “might,” “could,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

Any statements about Transocean’s, Valaris’ or the combined company’s plans, objectives, expectations, strategies, beliefs or future performance or events constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the proposed transaction, are based on Transocean’s and Valaris’ current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance, such as statements about the consummation of the proposed transaction and the anticipated benefits thereof. There is no assurance that these future events will occur as anticipated or that our results, estimates or assumptions will be correct, and we caution investors and all others not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Transocean’s and Valaris’ control.

Important factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include but are not limited to: (i) the completion of the proposed transaction on the anticipated terms and timing, or at all, including obtaining regulatory and shareholder approvals, and the satisfaction of other conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction as well as the failure to realize anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction; (ii) potential litigation relating to the proposed transaction, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (iii) the risk that disruptions from the proposed transaction (including the ability of certain counterparties of Valaris to terminate or amend contracts upon a change of control) will harm Transocean’s or Valaris’ business, including current plans and operations, including during the pendency of the proposed transaction; (iv) the ability of Transocean or Valaris to retain and hire key personnel, to retain customers or maintain relationships with their respective suppliers, customers and partners; (v) the diversion of management’s time and attention from ordinary course business operations to completion of the proposed transaction; (vi) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; (vii) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (viii) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the proposed transaction that could affect Transocean’s or Valaris’ financial performance as well as unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, losses, future prospects, business and management strategies, expansion and growth of Transocean’s or Valaris’ businesses; (ix) the inability of Transocean and Valaris to achieve expected synergies from the transaction or that it may take longer or be more costly than expected to achieve those synergies; (x) an inability to de-leverage on the expected timeline, or at all; (xi) the imposition of any terms and conditions on any required governmental and regulatory approvals that could reduce the anticipated benefits to Transocean and Valaris of the acquisition; (xii) the inability to successfully integrate Valaris’ operations with those of Transocean without unexpected cost or delay; (xiii) certain restrictions during the pendency of the proposed transaction that may impact Transocean’s or Valaris’ ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; (xiv) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreaks of war or hostilities or public health issues, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; (xv) the impact of inflation, tariffs, rising interest rates, and global conflicts, including disruptions in European economies as a result of the Ukrainian/Russian conflict and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the relationship between China and Taiwan and ongoing trade disputes between the United States and China; (xvi) the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (xvii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction, including in circumstances requiring Transocean or Valaris to pay a termination fee; (xviii) the risk that Transocean’s or Valaris’ share price may decline significantly if the proposed transaction is not consummated; (xix) there may be liabilities that are not known, probable or estimable at this time or unexpected costs, charges or expenses; (xx) commodity price fluctuations and volatility, customer demand, loss of a significant customer or customer contracts, downtime and other risks associated with offshore rig operations and changes in worldwide rig supply; (xxi) adverse weather or major natural disasters, including hurricanes; (xxii) the global and regional supply and demand for oil and gas; (xxiii) fluctuation of current and future prices of oil and gas; (xxiv) intention to scrap certain drilling rigs; (xxv) demand, competition and technology, supply chain and logistics challenges, consumer preferences for alternative fuels and forecasts or expectations regarding the global energy transition, changes in customer strategy and future levels of offshore drilling activity; (xxvi) estimated duration of customer contracts and contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates and locations, planned shipyard projects and other out-of-service time, sales of drilling units, the cost and timing of mobilizations and reactivations, operating hazards and delays, weather-related risks, risks associated with international operations, actions by customers and other third parties; (xxvii) increasing regulatory complexity, general economic, market, business and industry conditions, trends and outlook, general political conditions, including political tensions, conflicts and war, cybersecurity attacks and threats, uncertainty around the use and impacts of artificial intelligence applications, the effects of contagious illnesses including the spread of and mitigation efforts by governments, businesses and individuals and other factors, including those risks and uncertainties found in Transocean’s and Valaris’ respective filings with the SEC, including the risk factors discussed in Transocean’s and Valaris’ most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K, as updated by their Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and future filings with the SEC from time to time, which are available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov; and (xxviii) those risks that will be described in future filings with the SEC and available from the sources indicated below.

There can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will be completed, or if it is completed, that it will close within the anticipated time period. While the list of factors presented here is, and the list of factors presented in the joint proxy statement will be, considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties and should be read in conjunction with the other forward-looking statements. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made and we undertake no obligation to update, and expressly disclaim any obligation to update, any forward-looking statements, or any other information in this communication, whether resulting from developments, circumstances or events that arise after the date the statements are made, new information, or otherwise. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what we may have expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this communication are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. You should specifically consider the factors identified in this communication that could cause actual results to differ. Furthermore, new risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict those events or how they may affect us.

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

The transaction relates to the proposed business combination of Transocean and Valaris pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, dated as of February 9, 2026, and is being made by way of a scheme of arrangement pursuant to section 99 of the Companies Act 1981, as amended, under the laws of Bermuda. In connection therewith, Transocean and Valaris filed a joint preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A with the SEC on May 19, 2026. The joint preliminary proxy statement is not final, and a joint definitive proxy statement (when available) will be mailed or otherwise disseminated to shareholders of each of Transocean and Valaris seeking their approval of the parties’ respective transaction-related proposals. None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the scheme of arrangement are anticipated to be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws, and any securities issued in the transaction are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon an exemption from such registration requirements pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws.

INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF TRANSOCEAN AND VALARIS ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT, THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT, THE SCHEME DOCUMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION, THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.

This communication does not constitute an offer to buy, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This communication is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement or any other document that Transocean or Valaris may file with the SEC and send to their respective shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Investors and shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of the joint proxy statement (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Transocean or Valaris through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Transocean will be available free of charge on Transocean’s website at www.deepwater.com under the tab “Investors” and under the heading “SEC Filings.” Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Valaris will be available free of charge on Valaris’ website at www.valaris.com under the tab “Investors” and under the heading “Financials” and subheading “SEC Filings.”

This communication is not intended to constitute, and does not constitute, an offer or solicitation in or into Switzerland to purchase or invest in any securities, and no application has been made or will be made to admit any securities referred to herein to trading on any trading venue (i.e., exchange or multilateral trading facility) in Switzerland. Neither this communication nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the transaction described herein or any securities referred to herein constitutes a prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act of June 15, 2018, as amended (the “FinSA”), or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA.

Neither this communication nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the transaction described herein or any securities referred to herein has been filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, no material relating to the transaction described herein or any securities referred to herein has been reviewed or approved by a Swiss reviewing body (Prüfstelle) pursuant to article 51 of the FinSA.

This communication is not subject to, and has not received approval from, either the Bermuda Monetary Authority or the Registrar of Companies of Bermuda and no statement to the contrary, explicit or implicit, is authorized to be made in this regard. Securities may be offered or sold in Bermuda only in compliance with the provisions of the Investment Business Act 2003 of Bermuda.

Participants in the Solicitation

Transocean, Valaris and their respective directors and executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be considered to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Transocean and Valaris in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the interests of the directors and executive officers of Transocean and Valaris and other persons who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of shareholders of Valaris in connection with the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the joint proxy statement, which will be filed with the SEC. Information about Transocean’s directors and executive officers is set forth in Transocean’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on February 23, 2026 and its proxy statement for its 2026 annual meeting, which was filed with the SEC on March 20, 2026. Information about Valaris’ directors and executive officers is set forth in Valaris’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on February 20, 2026, and its proxy statement for its 2026 annual meeting, which was filed with the SEC on April 16, 2026. To the extent holdings of Transocean’s or Valaris’ securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in such filings, such changes have been or will be reflected in Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 3 or Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Additional information about the directors and executive officers of Transocean and Valaris and other information regarding the potential participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, which may, in some cases, be different than those of Transocean shareholders or Valaris’ shareholders generally, will be contained in the joint proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. You may obtain these documents (when they become available) free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov and from Transocean’s or Valaris’ website as described above.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	Valaris Limited

Date: July 1, 2026	By:	/s/ Davor Vukadin
		Davor Vukadin
		Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary