May 23, 2009 marked the one-year anniversary for Blake International USA Rigs, LLC, which was formed when Michael E. Blake purchased the platform rig operation from Pride International as well as the 45-acre facility in Houma, LA for $66 million in cash. Blake International has benefited from a successful first year and looks forward to continuing to facilitate our clients with expertise, experience and success on all projects. Blake International will be persistent in forging forward to becoming the most preferred platform rig provider in the GOM and Mexico.
Blake International also recently opened a Sales & Marketing office in Houston, TX. The office is located at 1235 North Loop West, Suite 919 and will support the Corporate office and Operations facility office located in Houma, LA. Michael E. Blake (Owner and Chairman of the Board), Susan Rendino (Executive Assistant) and John Buckelew (VP Marketing U.S. and Mexico) will be operating out of this office. The opening of the Houston office will enable Blake International to be more accessible to our clients as we expand our platform rig operations into the deepwater development market. Blake International remains the only privately-held offshore platform rig provider in the United States and continues to grow and become more visible in the oil industry.