Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-255406

PROSPECTUS

NOBLE CORPORATION

39,458,425 Ordinary Shares

This prospectus relates to the resale, from time to time, by the selling shareholders identified in this prospectus or in a subsequent prospectus supplement of up to 39,458,425 ordinary shares, par value $0.00001 per share (“Ordinary Shares”), of us, including up to 1,341,708 Ordinary Shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding Tranche 1 Warrants, Tranche 2 Warrants and Penny Warrants (each as defined herein and, collectively, the “Warrants”). See “Description of Capital Stock” for more information on the Warrants. This prospectus also relates to an indeterminate number of Ordinary Shares that may become issuable upon exercise of the Warrants as a result of anti-dilution adjustments.

We are registering the offer and sale of the Ordinary Shares pursuant to registration rights we have granted under a registration rights agreement dated as of February 5, 2021 and a registration rights agreement dated as of April 15, 2021. We have agreed to bear all of the expenses incurred in connection with the registration of the Ordinary Shares. The selling shareholders will pay or assume brokerage commissions and similar charges, if any, incurred in the sale of the Ordinary Shares.

We are not selling any Ordinary Shares under this prospectus, and we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Ordinary Shares by the selling shareholders under this prospectus. Our registration of the Ordinary Shares covered by this prospectus does not mean that the selling shareholders will offer or sell any of the Ordinary Shares. The Ordinary Shares to which this prospectus relates may be offered and sold from time to time directly by the selling shareholders or alternatively through underwriters, broker dealers, or agents. The selling shareholders will determine at what price they may sell the Ordinary Shares offered by this prospectus, and such sales may be made at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. See “Plan of Distribution” and “Selling Shareholders.”

We may amend or supplement this prospectus from time to time by filing amendments or supplements as required. You should read this entire prospectus and any amendments or supplements carefully before you make your investment decision.

Our Ordinary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “NE.”

Investing in the Ordinary Shares involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 8 of this prospectus for a discussion of the risks regarding an investment in the Ordinary Shares.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is April 22, 2022.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As previously reported, on July 31, 2020 (the “Petition Date”), Noble Holding Corporation plc (formerly known as Noble Corporation plc), a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Legacy Noble”), and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (the “Bankruptcy Court”) seeking relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code. On September 4, 2020, the Debtors (as defined herein) filed with the Bankruptcy Court the Joint Plan of Reorganization of Noble Corporation plc and its Debtor Affiliates, which was subsequently amended on October 8, 2020 and October 13, 2020 and modified on November 18, 2020 (as amended, modified or supplemented, the “Plan”), and the related disclosure statement. On September 24, 2020, six additional subsidiaries of Legacy Noble (together with Legacy Noble and its subsidiaries that filed on the Petition Date, as the context requires, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions in the Bankruptcy Court. The chapter 11 proceedings were jointly administered under the caption Noble Corporation plc, et al. (Case No. 20-33826) (the “Chapter 11 Cases”). On November 20, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Plan.

In connection with the Chapter 11 Cases and the Plan, on and prior to the Effective Date (as defined herein), Legacy Noble and certain of its subsidiaries effectuated certain restructuring transactions, pursuant to which Legacy Noble formed Noble Corporation, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability (“Noble”), as an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Legacy Noble and transferred to Noble substantially all of the subsidiaries and other assets of Legacy Noble. On February 5, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), the Plan became effective in accordance with its terms, the Debtors emerged from the Chapter 11 Cases and Noble became the new parent company. For a description of the events that occurred on the Effective Date, including the issuance of the Ordinary Shares and the Warrants, see “Note 2—Chapter 11 Emergence” to Noble’s consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 in the 2021 Form 10-K (as defined herein). In accordance with the Plan, Legacy Noble and its remaining subsidiary will in due course be wound down and dissolved in accordance with applicable law. Noble’s principal asset is all of the shares of Noble Finance Company (formerly known as Noble Corporation), an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability (“Finco”). The Bankruptcy Court closed the Chapter 11 Cases with respect to all Debtors other than Legacy Noble, pending its wind down. Finco has no public equity outstanding. The consolidated financial statements of Noble include the accounts of Finco and Noble conducts substantially all of its business through Finco and its subsidiaries. Finco was an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Legacy Noble prior to the Effective Date and has been a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble since the Effective Date.

On the Effective Date, Noble entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Bankruptcy RRA”) with certain parties who received Ordinary Shares and Warrants under the Plan (the “Bankruptcy RRA Holders”). Under the Bankruptcy RRA, Bankruptcy RRA Holders have certain demand and piggyback registration rights, subject to the limitations set forth in the Bankruptcy RRA. Pursuant to their underwritten offering registration rights, Bankruptcy RRA Holders have the right to demand that Noble register underwritten offerings of any or all of their Registrable Securities (as defined in the Bankruptcy RRA) pursuant to an effective registration statement, subject to certain conditions, including that the aggregate proceeds expected to be received from such an offering is equal to or greater than $20 million, unless such demand is not pursuant to a shelf registration statement, in which case certain Bankruptcy RRA Holders may require that Noble register an underwritten offering for an amount that would enable all remaining Registrable Securities to be included in such offering. In addition, the Bankruptcy RRA requires Noble to register for resale such Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including by filing a registration statement on Form S-1 or Form S-3 by the applicable deadline set forth in the Bankruptcy RRA.

On March 25, 2021, Noble entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Pacific Drilling Merger Agreement”) with Duke Merger Sub, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble (“Duke Merger Sub”), and Pacific Drilling Company LLC (“Pacific Drilling”), providing for the merger of Duke Merger Sub with and into Pacific Drilling (the “Pacific Drilling Merger”), with Pacific Drilling continuing as the surviving company and a

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wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble. The board of directors of Noble (the “Board”) and the board of directors of Pacific Drilling unanimously approved and adopted the Pacific Drilling Merger Agreement.

On April 15, 2021, Noble completed the Pacific Drilling Merger with Pacific Drilling. In connection with the Pacific Drilling Merger, and pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Pacific Drilling Merger Agreement, (a) each membership interest in Pacific Drilling (the “Membership Interests”) was converted into the right to receive 6.366 Ordinary Shares and (b) each of Pacific Drilling’s warrants outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Pacific Drilling Merger (the “Pacific Warrants”) was converted into the right to receive 1.553 Ordinary Shares. As part of the transaction, Pacific Drilling’s equity holders received 16,600,140 Ordinary Shares.

On April 15, 2021, in connection with the closing of the Pacific Drilling Merger, Noble entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Pacific Drilling Merger RRA”) with each of the holders identified therein (the “Pacific Drilling Merger RRA Holders”), pursuant to which, among other things, Noble is required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement registering for resale the Ordinary Shares issuable to the Pacific Drilling Merger RRA Holders upon consummation of the Pacific Drilling Merger, and subject to certain limitations set forth therein, certain Pacific Drilling Merger RRA Holders have customary shelf, demand and piggyback registration rights. In addition, pursuant to the Pacific Drilling Merger RRA, certain Pacific Drilling Merger RRA Holders have the right to require Noble, subject to certain limitations set forth therein, to effect a distribution of any or all of their Ordinary Shares by means of an underwritten offering. Noble is not obligated to effect any underwritten offering unless the dollar amount of the registrable securities of the Pacific Drilling Merger RRA Holder(s) demanding such underwritten offering to be included therein is reasonably likely to result in gross sale proceeds of at least $20 million.

Noble is filing the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part pursuant to the foregoing registration obligations under the Bankruptcy RRA and the Pacific Drilling Merger RRA. The foregoing description of each of the Bankruptcy RRA and the Pacific Drilling Merger RRA is only a summary and does not purport to be complete, and such description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Bankruptcy RRA and the Pacific Drilling Merger RRA, as applicable, each of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Unless otherwise expressly set forth or as the context otherwise indicates, all financial information and data and accompanying financial statements and corresponding notes, as of and prior to the Effective Date, contained or incorporated by reference herein reflect the actual historical consolidated results of operations and financial condition of Legacy Noble for the periods presented and do not give effect to the Plan or any of the transactions contemplated thereby or the adoption of fresh start accounting, which Noble adopted as of the Effective Date. Accordingly, such financial information may not be representative of Noble’s performance or financial condition after the Effective Date. Except with respect to such historical financial information and data and accompanying financial statements and corresponding notes or as otherwise suggested by the context, all other information contained herein relates to Noble following the Effective Date.

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

Unless we otherwise indicate, or unless the context requires otherwise, references in this prospectus to “Noble,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer collectively to Noble and its consolidated subsidiaries when referring to periods following the Effective Date, and to Legacy Noble and its consolidated subsidiaries when referring to periods prior to the Effective Date. In the section “Description of Capital Stock,” references to “Noble,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer only to Noble and not to any of our subsidiaries.

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC. This prospectus provides you with a general description of us and the securities that may be offered by the selling shareholders. Because each of the selling shareholders may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, each time securities are offered by the selling shareholders pursuant to this prospectus, the selling shareholders may be required to provide you with this prospectus and, in certain cases, a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the selling shareholders and the terms of the securities being offered. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change the information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. Please carefully read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, in addition to the information contained in the documents we refer to under the headings “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference.”

We have not, and the selling shareholders have not, authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses we have prepared. We and the selling shareholders take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We are not, and the selling shareholders are not, making any offer to sell the Ordinary Shares in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. The information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the cover of this prospectus or, in the case of information incorporated by reference, only as of the date of such information, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of the Ordinary Shares. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since such dates.

We have not, and the selling shareholders have not, taken any action to permit this offering or the possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offer and sale of the Ordinary Shares and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. See “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are subject to the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and in accordance therewith, we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These reports and other information filed by us with the SEC are available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and are also available free of charge at our website at http://www.noblecorp.com. The information contained on or linked to or from our website is not part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this prospectus.

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act to register with the SEC the Ordinary Shares being offered in this prospectus. This prospectus, which constitutes part of the registration statement, does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further information about us and the Ordinary Shares, you should refer to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as part of the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract, agreement or any other document referred to herein are summaries of certain terms thereof and are not necessarily complete, and each such statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the full text of such contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. You can read the registration statement at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows information to be “incorporated by reference” into this prospectus, which means that important information can be disclosed to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, except to the extent superseded by information contained herein or by information contained in documents filed with the SEC after the date of this prospectus. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents set forth below that we previously filed with the SEC (excluding information deemed to be furnished and not filed with the SEC). These documents contain important information about us and our financial condition:

We also incorporate by reference into this prospectus any future filings made by Noble with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including all such documents Noble may file with the SEC after the date of the initial registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, until the completion or termination of the offering of the securities. These documents may include Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy statements. We are not incorporating by reference any information furnished under Items 2.02 or 7.01 (or corresponding information furnished under Item 9.01 or included as an exhibit) in any past or future Current Report on Form 8-K that we may file with the SEC, unless otherwise specified in such Current Report.

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You may obtain copies of any of these filings as described below, through the SEC’s Internet website as described above or through our website as described above. Documents incorporated by reference are available from us without charge, excluding exhibits unless an exhibit has been specifically incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You may obtain without charge a copy of documents that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following address:

Richard B. Barker

Noble Corporation

13135 Dairy Ashford, Suite 800

Sugar Land, Texas 77478

(281) 276-6100

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in the Ordinary Shares involves significant risks. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the specific risk factors set forth below, the risks described elsewhere in this prospectus and the risks described under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in any prospectus supplement, our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other reports and documents we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus that are incorporated by reference herein, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein. The risk factors set forth below include risks related to the Business Combination, Topco and its business and Maersk Drilling’s business, some of which may not be applicable if the Business Combination is not consummated. If any of the risks discussed in this prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein occur, our business, prospects, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations could be materially impaired, in which case the price of the Ordinary Shares could decline significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Some statements in this prospectus, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Risks Related to the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling

The Business Combination may not be as successful as anticipated, and the combined company may not achieve the intended benefits or do so within the intended timeframe and the integration costs may exceed estimates.

The Business Combination involves numerous operational, strategic, financial, accounting, legal, tax and other risks, including potential liabilities associated with the integrated businesses. Difficulties in integrating the business practices and operations of Noble and Maersk Drilling may result in the combined company performing differently than expected, in operational challenges or in the delay or failure to realize anticipated expense-related efficiencies, and could have an adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of Noble and Maersk Drilling. Potential difficulties that may be encountered in the integration process include, among other factors:

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Additionally, the success of the Business Combination will depend, in part, on the combined company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits and cost savings from combining Noble’s and Maersk Drilling’s businesses. Although the parties expect to realize run-rate annual cost-synergies of $125 million within two years of the closing of the Business Combination, Noble’s ability to realize such synergies may be affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the use of more cash or other financial resources on integration and implementation activities than anticipated; unanticipated increases in expenses unrelated to the Business Combination, which may offset the expected cost savings and other synergies from the Business Combination; and Noble’s ability to eliminate duplicative back office overhead and redundant selling, general, and administrative functions. The anticipated benefits and cost savings of the Business Combination may not be realized fully or at all, may take longer to realize than expected or could have other adverse effects that neither Noble nor Maersk Drilling currently foresee. In addition, the anticipated benefits and cost savings of the Business Combination as well as the related integration costs are based on a number of estimates and assumptions that are inherently uncertain and subject to risks that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in such cost estimates. Some of the assumptions that Noble and Maersk Drilling have made, such as the achievement of certain synergies, may not be realized within the anticipated timeframe, or at all.

If the combined company fails to realize the anticipated synergies or other benefits or recognize further synergies or benefits, or the estimated integration costs of the Business Combination are exceeded, the business rationale of the Business Combination could not be realized and the value of the shareholders’ investment into the combined company could decrease.

The Business Combination is conditioned on the receipt of certain required approvals and governmental and regulatory consents, which, if delayed, not granted or granted with unfavorable conditions, may delay or jeopardize the completion of the Business Combination, result in additional expenditures of money and resources and/or reduce the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination.

The completion of the Business Combination is generally conditioned on, among other things, clearance by antitrust and foreign direct investment authorities in the United Kingdom and Norway and Denmark, as well as certain other jurisdictions as agreed between the parties. The governmental agencies from which the parties seek certain of these approvals and consents have broad discretion in administering the governing regulations. Neither Noble nor Maersk Drilling can provide any assurance that all required approvals and consents will be obtained. Moreover, as a condition to the approvals, the governmental agencies may impose requirements, limitations or costs on, or require divestitures or place restrictions on the conduct of, Topco’s business after the completion of the Business Combination. These requirements, limitations, costs, divestitures or restrictions could jeopardize or delay the completion of the Business Combination or reduce the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination. Further, no assurance can be given as to the terms, conditions and timing of the approvals. If Noble and Maersk Drilling agree to any material requirements, limitations, costs, divestitures or restrictions in order to obtain any approvals required to consummate the Business Combination, these requirements, limitations, costs, divestitures or restrictions could adversely affect Noble’s ability to integrate Maersk Drilling’s operations with Noble’s operations and/or reduce the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination. This could have a material adverse effect on Topco’s business and results of operations. For example, the merger control process for obtaining clearance in the UK remains ongoing with constructive discussions continuing between Noble, Maersk Drilling, and the UK CMA ahead of the UK CMA expectedly publishing their phase 1 decision on April 22, 2022. While the UK CMA is yet to take its phase 1 decision, the parties expect that it will be necessary to divest certain jackup rigs currently located in the North Sea (the “Remedy Rigs”) to obtain conditional antitrust

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clearance in phase 1 from the UK CMA. The parties currently expect the Remedy Rigs to comprise the Noble Hans Deul, Noble Sam Hartley, Noble Sam Turner, Noble Houston Colbert, and a CJ-70 design drilling rig which, at this point, the parties believe is likely to be the Mærsk Innovator, although it is possible the Noble Lloyd Noble could be required to achieve phase 1 clearance. On this basis, the parties have started to examine different options to divest the Remedy Rigs. Though the parties expect that they will be required to divest the Remedy Rigs in order to gain UK CMA clearance, the duration and outcome of the UK CMA review process remains uncertain. The Business Combination has received antitrust approvals from Norway, Brazil and the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. The Business Combination has also received approval from the Danish Business Authority and the Secretary of State of the United Kingdom with respect to regulations pertaining to foreign direct investment, and no other approvals relating to foreign direct investment are required.

The Business Combination remains subject to conditions that neither Noble nor Maersk Drilling can control.

The Business Combination is subject to conditions, including, among others, the adoption of the Business Combination Agreement by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes cast at Noble’s extraordinary general shareholder meeting (the “General Meeting”), the termination of waiting periods and the receipt of approvals or clearances under applicable antitrust laws and applicable foreign direct investment laws, the Business Combination occurring on or before August 10, 2022 (the “End Date”); provided, however, that if all of the conditions to the Offer, other than the condition relating to antitrust approvals, have been satisfied or are capable of being satisfied at such time, the End Date will automatically be extended to November 10, 2022; further provided that if all of the conditions to the Offer, other than the condition relating to antitrust approvals, have been satisfied or are capable of being satisfied at such time, the End Date will automatically be extended to February 10, 2023, and authorization of the listing of the combined company’s shares on the NYSE and Nasdaq Copenhagen. Noble’s obligation to consummate the Business Combination is also subject to the Minimum Acceptance Condition.

If the conditions to the Business Combination are not satisfied or waived, then the Business Combination may not be consummated.

Each of Noble and Maersk Drilling may waive one or more of the conditions to the Business Combination without shareholder approval.

Each of Noble and Maersk Drilling may determine to waive, in whole or in part, one or more of the conditions to its obligations to complete the Business Combination, to the extent permitted by applicable laws. Each of Noble and Maersk Drilling will evaluate the materiality of any such waiver and its effect on its shareholders in light of the facts and circumstances at the time to determine whether any amendment of the proxy statement/prospectus in the Form S-4 Registration Statement and the offering document relating to the Offer (the “exchange offer prospectus”) and, in the case of Noble, any resolicitation of proxies is required or warranted. Each of Noble and Maersk Drilling may waive any of these conditions prior to the General Meeting, and if any such waiver is material, the proxy statement/prospectus in the Form S-4 Registration Statement and the exchange offer prospectus will be amended as necessary to reflect such waiver. If either of Noble and Maersk Drilling determines to waive any conditions after receiving shareholder approval at the General Meeting, it may have the discretion to complete the Business Combination without seeking further shareholder approval.

Because the Exchange Ratios are fixed, the market value of the Topco Shares received by Noble shareholders or Maersk Drilling shareholders as part of the Business Combination may be less than the market value of the Ordinary Shares or Maersk Drilling Shares that such holder held prior to the completion of the Business Combination.

Noble shareholders will receive one Topco Share for each of their Ordinary Shares in the Maersk Drilling Merger and Maersk Drilling shareholders who tender their Maersk Drilling Shares in the Offer will receive 1.6137 Topco Shares for each Maersk Drilling Share tendered and not withdrawn. These Exchange Ratios are fixed and will not vary even if the market price of Ordinary Shares or Maersk Drilling Shares varies. Upon

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completion of the Business Combination, and assuming that all outstanding Maersk Drilling Shares are exchanged for Topco Shares in the Offer, former Noble and Maersk Drilling shareholders will each own approximately 50% of the outstanding Topco Shares on a fully diluted basis, i.e., taking into consideration Topco Shares still to be issued, immediately after completion of the Business Combination. The market value of Ordinary Shares and Maersk Drilling Shares at the time of the completion of the Business Combination may vary significantly from the value on the date of the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, the date of this document, the date on which Ordinary Shares vote on the Maersk Drilling Merger, the date on which Maersk Drilling shareholders tender their shares in the Offer or the expiration of the period commencing as soon as practically possible after the offering circular, which refers to one or more prospectuses (or similar exemption document prepared in reliance on an applicable exemption under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “EU Prospectus Regulation”) and in accordance with the requirements of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/528 of 16 December 2020) to be prepared by Topco and/or Noble pursuant to the EU Prospectus Regulation, and the Offer Document (as defined herein) have been approved by the DFSA with an expected duration of at least four weeks (the “Offer Period”). Because the Exchange Ratios will not be adjusted to reflect any changes in the market price of the Ordinary Shares or Maersk Drilling Shares, the value of the consideration paid to the Noble shareholders in the Maersk Drilling Merger or to the Maersk Drilling shareholders who tender their shares in the Offer may be lower than the market value of their Ordinary Shares or Maersk Drilling Shares, respectively, on earlier dates.

Changes in share prices may result from a variety of factors that are beyond the control of Topco, Noble or Maersk Drilling, including their respective business, operations and prospects, market conditions, economic development, geopolitical events, regulatory considerations, governmental actions, legal proceedings and other developments. Market assessments of the benefits of the Business Combination and of the likelihood that the Business Combination will be completed, as well as general and industry-specific market and economic conditions, may also have an adverse effect on share prices.

In addition, it is possible that the Business Combination may not be completed until a significant period of time has passed after the General Meeting and the expiration of the Offer Period. As a result, the market values of the Ordinary Shares or Maersk Drilling Shares may vary significantly from the date of the General Meeting or the expiration of the Offer Period to the date of the completion of the Business Combination.

Investors are urged to obtain up-to-date prices for Ordinary Shares, which are admitted to trading and official listing on the NYSE under the symbol “NE” and Maersk Drilling Shares, which are listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen under the symbol “DRLCO” and securities code DK0061135753.

If Maersk Drilling shareholders do not tender their Maersk Drilling Shares in the Offer, Maersk Drilling shareholders may receive consideration in the Compulsory Purchase that is substantially different in form and/or value from the consideration that they would have received in the Offer.

If the Business Combination is consummated and Topco holds more than 90% of the outstanding Maersk Drilling Shares, Topco will initiate a squeeze-out of the minority shareholders of Maersk Drilling. The Compulsory Purchase would eliminate any minority shareholder interests in Maersk Drilling remaining after the settlement of the Offer. Due to the statutory legal framework applicable to the Compulsory Purchase, holders of Maersk Drilling Shares who do not exchange their shares in the Offer may receive a different (including a lower) amount or a different form of consideration than they would have received had they exchanged their Maersk Drilling Shares in the Offer. Furthermore, if the value of Topco Shares offered as compensation in the context of a Compulsory Purchase has declined after the completion of the Business Combination, there may be no obligation of Topco to pay Maersk Drilling shareholders who did not exchange their shares in the Offer the implied value of the offer consideration received by Maersk Drilling shareholders who exchanged their shares in the Offer.

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Any failure by Topco to acquire more than 90% of the Maersk Drilling Shares could lead to Maersk Drilling not becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Topco, and might prevent the delisting of Maersk Drilling Shares from Nasdaq Copenhagen.

The closing of the Business Combination and the completion of the Offer is conditioned upon the satisfaction of the Minimum Acceptance Condition, unless waived by Topco in accordance with the terms of an offer document with respect to the Offer approved by the DFSA in accordance with the DFSA’s Executive Order on Takeover Bids, Executive Order no 636/2020 of 15 May 2020 (the “Danish Takeover Order” and such document, the “Offer Document”). Thus, at the completion of the Offer, Topco may own more than 80% (or, if lowered by Topco in its sole discretion, more than 70%) but 90% or less of the share capital and voting rights of Maersk Drilling. Pursuant to the Danish Companies Act, Topco must own more than 90% of the share capital and voting rights of Maersk Drilling to implement a compulsory purchase of the remaining outstanding Maersk Drilling Shares (Maersk Drilling Shares held in treasury being excluded for the purpose of the calculation).

Whilst Topco may be able to exercise a Compulsory Purchase if it subsequently acquires more than 90% of the outstanding Maersk Drilling Shares and voting rights (excluding shares held in treasury), for instance where it acquires further Maersk Drilling Shares or where Maersk Drilling repurchases Maersk Drilling Shares, there can be no guarantee that this will happen. If Topco fails to acquire all of the issued and outstanding Maersk Drilling Shares, Maersk Drilling will not be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Topco and minority Maersk Drilling shareholders will have certain minority protection rights under Danish law and under the articles of association of Topco that will be adopted and take effect at the Acceptance Time. Any temporary or permanent delay in acquiring all Maersk Drilling Shares could adversely affect Topco’s ability to integrate Maersk Drilling’s business, including achieving targeted business benefits and synergies, as well as the market value of the Topco Shares and Topco’s access to capital and other sources of funding on acceptable terms.

Failure to acquire more than 90% of the Maersk Drilling Shares could also result in Topco not succeeding in removing the Maersk Drilling Shares from trading and official listing on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Nasdaq Copenhagen may refuse to delist the Maersk Drilling Shares, which would result in more onerous regulatory compliance obligations for the combined company and affect Topco’s ability to integrate the businesses and operations of Maersk Drilling and Noble. Further, refusal of the request to delist the Maersk Drilling Shares may increase the expenses of the Business Combination and the overall expenses of the combined company.

Each of Noble and Maersk Drilling’s directors and executive officers have interests in the Business Combination that are in addition to, or different from, any interests they might have as shareholders.

The directors and executive officers of each of Noble and Maersk Drilling have interests in the Business Combination that are in addition to, or different from, any interests they might have as shareholders, including the fact that Robert W. Eifler will serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Topco, Charles M. (Chuck) Sledge, the current Chairman of the Board, will become chairman of the Topco Board, and Alan J. Hirshberg and Ann D. Pickard, each a director on the Board, will be designated to the Topco Board by Noble upon the closing of the Business Combination, and similarly, that Claus V. Hemmingsen, the current Chairman of the Maersk Drilling Board, and Kristin H. Holth and Alastair Maxwell, each a director on the Maersk Drilling Board, will be designated to the Topco Board by Maersk Drilling upon the closing of the Business Combination.

Each of Noble and Maersk Drilling may have liabilities that are not known to the other party or to Topco.

Each of Noble and Maersk Drilling may have liabilities that the other party failed, or was unable, to discover in the course of performing its respective due diligence investigations. Noble or Maersk Drilling may learn additional information about the other party that materially adversely affects it, such as unknown or contingent liabilities and liabilities related to compliance with applicable laws. As a result of these factors, Noble, Maersk Drilling or Topco may incur additional costs and expenses and may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in Noble, Maersk Drilling or Topco reporting losses. Even if Noble’s and Maersk Drilling’s due diligence has identified

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certain risks, unexpected risks may arise and previously known risks may materialize in a manner not consistent with its preliminary risk analysis. If any of these risks materialize, this could have a material adverse effect on Noble’s, Maersk Drilling’s or Topco’s financial condition and results of operations and could contribute to negative market perceptions about Noble’s, Maersk Drilling’s or Topco’s securities. Additionally, Noble and Maersk Drilling do not have any indemnification rights against the other party under the Business Combination Agreement. Accordingly, securityholders of Noble or Maersk Drilling could suffer a reduction in the value of their securities. Such securityholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value unless they are able to successfully claim that the reduction was due to the breach by its directors or officers of a duty of care or other fiduciary duty owed to them, or if they are able to successfully bring a private claim under securities laws that the registration statement or proxy statement/prospectus and the exchange offer prospectus relating to the Business Combination contained an actionable material misstatement or material omission.

Noble shareholders and Maersk Drilling shareholders are not entitled to appraisal or dissent rights in connection with the Business Combination or the Offer.

Appraisal or dissent rights are statutory rights that enable shareholders to dissent from certain extraordinary transactions, such as certain mergers, and to demand that the corporation pay the fair value for their Ordinary Shares or Maersk Drilling Shares, as applicable, as determined by a court in a judicial proceeding instead of receiving the consideration offered to shareholders in connection with the applicable transaction. Under Cayman law, holders of Ordinary Shares will not have rights to an appraisal of the fair value of their Ordinary Shares in connection with the Business Combination, and under Danish law, holders of Maersk Drilling Shares will not have rights to an appraisal of the fair value of their Maersk Drilling Shares in connection with the Offer.

Failure to consummate the Business Combination could negatively impact the share price and the future business and financial results of Noble and/or Maersk Drilling.

If the Business Combination is not completed, the ongoing businesses of Noble or Maersk Drilling, respectively, may be adversely affected and, without realizing any of the benefits of having consummated the Business Combination, each of Noble and Maersk Drilling will be subject to a number of risks, including (but not limited to) the following:

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If the Business Combination Agreement is terminated by Maersk Drilling because a final merger control decision by a governmental entity is issued that either prohibits one or more of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, or prevents the consummation of such transactions without the carrying out of certain actions, then Noble will be required to pay Maersk Drilling a termination fee of $50 million. Further, if the Business Combination Agreement is terminated under certain other specified circumstances, Noble or Maersk Drilling may be required to pay the other party a termination fee equal to $15 million.

There can be no assurance that the risks described above will not materialize. If any of those risks materialize, they may materially and adversely affect Noble’s and/or Maersk Drilling’s business, financial condition, financial results, ratings and share prices.

Noble shareholders and Maersk Drilling shareholders will have a reduced ownership and voting interest after the Business Combination and may exercise less influence over management in Topco than they currently have in Noble and Maersk Drilling, respectively.

Upon the completion of the Business Combination, Noble shareholders and Maersk Drilling shareholders will hold a percentage ownership of Topco that is smaller than such shareholder’s current percentage ownership of Noble or Maersk Drilling, respectively. Upon completion of the Business Combination, and assuming that all of the issued Maersk Drilling Shares are exchanged in the Offer, former shareholders of Noble as a group and former shareholders of Maersk Drilling as a group will each receive shares in the Business Combination constituting approximately 50% of the outstanding Topco Shares immediately after the consummation of the Business Combination. Because of this, current shareholders may have less influence on the management and policies of Topco than they currently have on the management and policies of Noble or Maersk Drilling, respectively.

Future sales or the availability for sale of substantial amounts of the Topco Shares, or the perception that these sales may occur, including following the Business Combination, could adversely affect the trading price of the Topco Shares and could impair the combined company’s ability to raise capital through future sales of equity securities.

Following the Business Combination, a relatively small number of shareholders will hold a large portion of the shares of the combined company and Topco will enter into the Maersk Drilling Merger RRA (as defined herein) upon the closing of the Business Combination to facilitate future sales of such shares.

Sales of a substantial number of the Topco Shares in the public markets, including sales of large blocks of Topco Shares by the parties entering into the Maersk Drilling Merger RRA, or even the perception that these sales might occur (such as upon the filing of registration statements in connection with such sales), could impair the combined company’s ability to raise capital for its operations through a future sale of, or pay for acquisitions using, Topco’s equity securities.

Topco Shares or other securities may be issued from time to time as consideration for future acquisitions and investments. If any such acquisition or investment is significant, the number of Topco Shares, or the number or aggregate principal amount, as the case may be, of other securities that Topco may issue may in turn be substantial. Registration rights may also be granted covering those Topco Shares or other securities in connection with any such acquisitions and investments.

Topco cannot predict the effect that future sales of Topco Shares will have on the price at which the Topco Shares trades or the size of future issuances of Topco Shares or the effect, if any, that future issuances will have

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on the market price of the Topco Shares. Sales of substantial amounts of the Topco Shares, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect the trading price of the Topco Shares.

Risks Related to Topco and its Business

Topco will incur direct and indirect costs as a result of the Business Combination.

Topco will incur costs and expenses in connection with and as a result of the Business Combination. These costs and expenses include professional fees incurred in connection with Topco’s compliance with UK corporate and tax laws and financial reporting requirements, costs and other administrative expenses related to the expanded global scope of Topco’s operations, as well as any additional costs Topco may incur going forward as a result of its new corporate structure. The combined company cannot assure you that it will realize all of the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, including the synergies related to public company expenses, back-office support functions, sales and distribution, and integration of senior management and administration. Topco can also not assure you that its estimates of pre-tax cost savings are accurate. While direct and indirect costs incurred as a result of the Business Combination are not expected to have such an effect, the costs could exceed the costs historically borne by Noble and Maersk Drilling.

Failure to recruit and retain key personnel could hurt Topco’s operations.

Topco will depend on the continuing efforts of key members of management, as well as other highly skilled personnel, to operate and provide technical services and support for Topco’s business worldwide. Historically, competition for the personnel required for drilling operations has intensified as the number of rigs activated, added to worldwide fleets or under construction has increased, leading to shortages of qualified personnel in the industry and creating upward pressure on wages and higher turnover. In addition, the oil and gas industry generally has increasingly struggled to attract talented and qualified personnel. Topco may experience a reduction in the experience level of personnel as a result of any increased turnover, which could lead to higher downtime and more operating incidents, which in turn could decrease revenues and increase costs. If increased competition for qualified personnel were to intensify in the future Topco may experience increases in costs or limits on operations.

Topco may not be able to retain customers or suppliers, and customers or suppliers may seek to modify contractual obligations with Topco, either of which could have an adverse effect on Topco’s business and operations. Third parties may terminate or alter existing contracts or relationships with Topco as a result of the Business Combination.

As a result of the Business Combination, Topco may experience impacts on relationships with customers and suppliers that may harm the combined company’s business and results of operations, including, in the case of customers of Maersk Drilling, as a result of a loss of the Maersk Drilling name and branding or the departure of certain Maersk Drilling employees. Certain customers or suppliers may seek to terminate or modify contractual obligations following the Business Combination whether or not contractual rights are triggered as a result of the Business Combination. There can be no guarantee that customers and suppliers will remain with or continue to have a relationship with Topco or do so on the same or similar contractual terms following the Business Combination. If any customers or suppliers seek to terminate or modify contractual obligations or discontinue their relationships with Topco, then Topco’s business and results of operations may be harmed. If Topco’s suppliers were to seek to terminate or modify an arrangement with Topco, then Topco may be unable to procure necessary supplies or services from other suppliers in a timely and efficient manner and on acceptable terms, or at all.

Noble and Maersk Drilling also have contracts with vendors, landlords, licensors and other business partners which may require Noble and Maersk Drilling, as applicable, to obtain consent from these other parties in connection with the Business Combination. If these consents cannot be obtained, Topco may suffer a loss of potential future revenue, incur costs and lose rights that may be material to the business of Topco. In addition, third parties with whom Noble and Maersk Drilling currently have relationships may terminate or otherwise

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reduce the scope of their relationship with either party in anticipation of the Business Combination. Any such disruptions could limit Topco’s ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination. The adverse effect of any such disruptions could also be exacerbated by a delay in the completion of the Business Combination or by a termination of the Business Combination Agreement.

Topco’s actual financial position and results of operations may differ materially from the unaudited pro forma financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information contained elsewhere in this prospectus is presented for illustrative purposes only, incorporates certain assessments and judgments made solely by Noble and may not be an indication of what Topco’s financial position or results of operations would have been had the Business Combination been completed on the dates indicated. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been derived from the audited historical financial statements of Noble and Maersk Drilling and certain adjustments, including the conversion of certain of Maersk Drilling’s financial statements to U.S. GAAP, and Noble has made certain assumptions regarding the combined company after giving effect to the Business Combination. The assets and liabilities of Maersk Drilling have been measured at fair value by Noble based on various preliminary estimates using assumptions that management believes are reasonable utilizing information currently available. The process for estimating the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities has required Noble to use judgment in determining the appropriate assumptions and estimates. Noble’s preliminary determination is subject to further assessment and adjustments pending additional information sharing between the parties, more detailed third-party appraisals, and other potential adjustments. These estimates and assumptions may be revised as additional information becomes available and as additional analyses are performed. Differences between preliminary estimates in the pro forma financial information and the final acquisition accounting will occur and could have a material impact on the pro forma financial information and the combined company’s financial position and future results of operations.

Noble and Maersk Drilling are not yet combined businesses, and there are limitations on the information available to prepare the pro forma financial information. The assumptions made by Noble in preparing the pro forma financial information may not prove to be accurate, and other factors may affect Topco’s financial condition or results of operations following the completion of the Business Combination. Acquisition accounting rules require evaluation of certain assumptions, estimates or determination of financial statement classifications which are completed during the measurement period as defined in current accounting standards. Accounting policies of Topco and acquisition accounting rules may materially vary from those of Maersk Drilling. Any changes in assumptions, estimates, or financial statement classifications may be material and have a material adverse effect on the assets, liabilities or future earnings of Topco. Any potential decline in Topco’s financial condition or results of operations may cause significant variations in the share price of Topco. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.”

Changes to U.S., UK, Cayman and other non-U.S. tax laws could adversely affect Topco.

The U.S. Congress, the European Commission, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) and other supranational institutions and/or government agencies in jurisdictions where Topco and its affiliates do business have had an extended focus on issues related to the taxation of multinational corporations and several tax reforms have been proposed, which, if adopted, could increase the tax liabilities and adversely affect the results of operations of Topco and its affiliates (including Noble and its affiliates after the Business Combination). One example is in the area of “base erosion and profit shifting,” including situations where payments are made between affiliates from a jurisdiction with high tax rates to a jurisdiction with lower tax rates. The OECD has advanced reforms focused on “base erosion and profit shifting” and implementing a global minimum tax rate of at least 15% for large multinational corporations on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, known as the “two pillar plan.” On October 8, 2021, the OECD announced an accord endorsed by 136 nations outlining the two pillar plan. While the implementation of the accord is uncertain, if legislation is enacted to implement the accord in the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark and other countries in which Topco and its affiliates do business could change on a prospective or retroactive basis, and any such changes could

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adversely affect Topco and its affiliates (including Noble and its affiliates after the Business Combination). These changes could also affect the profitability prospects of Topco and the industry at large to the extent such cost increases cannot be reflected in day rates.

The tax rate that will apply to Topco is uncertain and may vary from expectations.

There can be no assurance that the Business Combination will improve Topco’s ability to maintain any particular worldwide effective corporate tax rate. Noble cannot give any assurance as to what Topco’s effective tax rate will be after the completion of the Business Combination because of, among other things, uncertainty regarding the tax policies of the jurisdictions in which Topco and its affiliates will operate. Topco’s actual effective tax rate may vary from Noble’s expectations, and such variance may be material. Additionally, tax laws or their implementation and applicable tax authority practices in any particular jurisdiction could change in the future, possibly on a retroactive basis, and any such change could have a material adverse impact on Topco and its affiliates. In particular, it should be noted that the main rate of corporation tax in the United Kingdom is set to increase from 19% to 25% with effect from April 1, 2023.

Transfers of Topco Shares outside the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) may be subject to stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax in the UK, which would increase the cost of dealing in the Topco Shares.

On completion of the Business Combination it is anticipated that the Topco Shares will be issued to Cede & Co. (as nominee for DTC) and corresponding book-entry interests credited in the facilities of DTC. On the basis of current UK tax law and published HM Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”) practice, no charges to UK stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax (“SDRT”) are expected to arise on the issue of the Topco Shares into DTC’s facilities or on transfers of book-entry interests in Topco Shares within DTC’s facilities. A non-statutory, pretransaction clearance is being sought from HMRC to confirm, among other things, that no stamp duty or SDRT will be chargeable in respect of the issue of Topco Shares into the facilities of DTC.

A transfer of title in the Topco Shares from within the DTC system to a purchaser out of DTC, and any transfers of Topco Shares held in certificated form, will generally attract a charge to stamp duty or SDRT at a rate of 0.5% of any consideration. Any such duty must be paid (and the relevant transfer document, if any, stamped by HMRC) before the transfer can be registered in the company books of Topco. Any transfers of Topco Shares to an issuer of depository receipts or into a clearance system (including DTC) will generally be subject to stamp duty or SDRT at a rate of 1.5% of the consideration given or received or, in certain cases, the value of the Topco Shares transferred. The purchaser or transferee of the Topco Shares generally will be responsible for paying any stamp duty or SDRT payable.

In connection with the completion of the Business Combination, Topco expects to put in place arrangements to require that Topco Shares held in certificated form, or otherwise outside the DTC system, cannot be transferred into the DTC system until the transferor of the Topco Shares has first delivered the Topco Shares to a depositary specified by Topco so that any stamp duty (and/or SDRT) may be collected in connection with the initial delivery to the depositary. Any such Topco Shares will be evidenced by a receipt issued by the depositary. Before the transfer can be registered in the Topco company books, the transferor will also be required to put funds in the depositary to settle any resultant liability to stamp duty (and/or SDRT), which will generally be charged at a rate of 1.5% of the value of the shares.

If the Topco Shares and/or Topco Warrants are not eligible for deposit and clearing within the facilities of DTC, then transactions in the Topco Shares and/or Topco Warrants may be disrupted. Topco is expected to be required to indemnify DTC for any stamp duty and SDRT that may be assessed upon it as a result of its service as a depository and clearing agency for the Topco Shares and Topco Warrants.

The facilities of DTC are a widely-used mechanism that allow for rapid electronic transfers of securities between the participants in the DTC system, which include many large banks and brokerage firms. Topco expects that the Topco Shares and Topco Warrants will be eligible for deposit and clearing within the DTC

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system. Topco expects to enter into arrangements with DTC whereby Topco will agree to indemnify DTC for any stamp duty and SDRT that may be assessed upon it as a result of its service as a depository and clearing agency for the Topco Shares and Topco Warrants. Topco expects these actions, among others, should result in DTC agreeing to accept the Topco Shares and Topco Warrants for deposit and clearing within its facilities.

DTC is not obligated to accept the Topco Shares or Topco Warrants for deposit and clearing within its facilities in connection with this transaction and, even if DTC does initially accept the Topco Shares and Topco Warrants, it will generally have discretion to cease to act as a depository and clearing agency for the Topco Shares and Topco Warrants, including to the extent that any changes in UK law changes the stamp duty or SDRT position in relation to the Topco Shares or Topco Warrants. While Topco would pursue alternative arrangements to preserve the listing and maintain trading, any such disruption could have a material adverse effect on the market price of the Topco Shares.

A non-statutory, pre-transaction clearance is being sought from HMRC to confirm, among other things, that no stamp duty or SDRT will be chargeable in respect of the issue of Topco Shares or Topco Warrants into the facilities of DTC or in respect of any subsequent transfers of book-entry interests in Topco Shares and/or Topco Warrants within the DTC system. Whilst Topco expects to receive HMRC clearance on the relevant matters where clearance is being sought, in the event that there is any such liability in respect of stamp duty or SDRT for Topco (whether directly or indirectly as a result of the indemnity being provided to DTC), such liability will represent an additional cost for Topco and may consequently have an adverse effect on returns to shareholders.

Maersk Drilling currently is not subject to the internal controls and other compliance obligations of the U.S. securities laws, and Topco may not be able to timely and effectively implement controls and procedures over Maersk Drilling operations as required under the U.S. securities laws.

Maersk Drilling currently is not subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and other U.S. federal securities laws, including the compliance obligations relating to, among other things, the maintenance of a system of internal controls as contemplated by the Exchange Act. Subsequent to the completion of the Business Combination, Topco will need to timely and effectively implement the internal controls necessary to satisfy those requirements, which require annual management assessments of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and a report by an independent registered public accounting firm addressing these assessments. Topco intends to take appropriate measures to establish or implement an internal control environment at Maersk Drilling aimed at successfully fulfilling these requirements. However, it is possible that Topco may experience delays in implementing or be unable to implement the required internal financial reporting controls and procedures, which could result in increased costs, enforcement actions, the assessment of penalties and civil suits, failure to meet reporting obligations and other material and adverse events that could have a negative effect on the market price for Topco Shares.

Topco intends to seek approval from the Court for a capital reduction to create distributable reserves in order to pay dividends.

As further described above, under English law, dividends may only be paid and share repurchases and redemptions must generally be funded only out of “distributable reserves.” In the absence of such distributable reserves, Topco may seek to create distributable reserves that involves a reduction in Topco’s share premium account, which requires the approval of the Court and, in connection with seeking such Court approval, the approval of Topco shareholders would be sought. Topco is not aware of any reason why the Court would not approve the creation of distributable reserves in this manner; however, the issuance of the required order is a matter for the discretion of the Court. There will also be no guarantee that the approvals by Topco shareholders will be obtained. In the event that distributable reserves of Topco are not created, no distributions by way of dividends, share repurchases or otherwise will be permitted under English law until such time as the group has created sufficient distributable reserves from its business activities.

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The rights of holders of Topco Shares to be received by Noble shareholders in connection with the Business Combination will be different from the rights of holders of Ordinary Shares due to the difference between Cayman and English law.

Upon completion of the Business Combination, Noble shareholders will become Topco shareholders and their rights as shareholders will be governed by Topco’s Articles of Association and English law and regulation. The rights associated with the Ordinary Shares are different than the rights associated with Topco Shares. Differences between the rights of Noble shareholders before the Business Combination and the rights of Topco shareholders following the Business Combination include differences with respect to, among other things, distributions, dividends, share repurchases and redemptions, shareholder pre-emption rights, the duties of directors, the process for the election and removal of directors, conflicts of interests of directors, the indemnification of directors and officers, limitations on director liability, the convening of annual meetings of shareholders and special shareholder meetings, the advance notice provisions for meetings, voting rights and resolution approval thresholds, the quorum for shareholder meetings, the adjournment of shareholder meetings, shareholder proposals, shareholder suits, reporting requirements, inspection of books and records, disclosure of interests in shares, rights of dissenting shareholders, anti-takeover measures, provisions relating to the ability to amend the articles of association, forum and venue, and enforcement of civil liabilities against foreign persons. While Noble does not believe that these differences will have a materially adverse effect on Noble shareholders who become Topco shareholders, situations may arise where the rights associated with Ordinary Shares would have provided benefits to Noble shareholders that will not be available with respect to their holdings of Topco Shares.

As a result of different shareholder voting requirements in the United Kingdom relative to the Cayman Islands, Topco will have less flexibility with respect to certain aspects of capital management than Noble currently has.

Under English law, the directors of a public limited company may only, other than in certain limited circumstances, issue shares with prior shareholder authorization and pre-emption rights apply by default to any such share issues. Shareholder authorizations to allot shares and disapply pre-emption rights may be granted for a period of five years and so it is intended, prior to the Business Combination, for Topco to pass (i) an ordinary resolution to allot ordinary shares up to an aggregate nominal value; and (ii) a special resolution to disapply pre-emption rights in respect of the allotment of shares up to an aggregate nominal value, in each case for a period of five years from the date of the resolution. Under the Articles (as defined herein) and Cayman law, the board of directors may issue shares (within the limits authorized in the Articles) and pre-emption rights do not apply. In addition, under English law, a company is generally only authorized to repurchase its own shares when it has been authorized to do so by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders, whereas the current Articles, and Cayman law, permit share purchases in the circumstances agreed by Noble and the holder of the shares. Topco is expected to pass an ordinary resolution, prior to the Business Combination, authorizing the repurchase of up to 15% per annum of the issued share capital as of the beginning of each fiscal year for a five year period (subject to an overall aggregate maximum number of shares to be set forth in the resolution).

After the completion of the Business Combination, attempted takeovers of Topco will be governed by English law, and certain applicable Danish takeover restrictions could prevent existing Topco shareholders from participating in transactions regarding Topco Shares.

Cayman laws regarding directors’ fiduciary duties give the board of directors broad latitude to defend against unwanted takeover proposals. As a UK incorporated company, Topco is subject to English law. An English public company is potentially subject to the protections afforded by the Takeover Code if, among other factors, a majority of its directors are resident within the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. Based upon Topco’s current and intended plans for its directors, it is anticipated that the Takeover Code will not apply to Topco. However, it is possible that, in the future, circumstances could change that may cause the Takeover Code to apply to Topco.

Further, it could be more difficult for Topco to obtain shareholder approval for a merger or negotiated transaction after the closing of the Business Combination because the shareholder approval requirements for certain types of transactions differ, and in some cases are greater, under English law than under Cayman law.

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Following the listing of Topco Shares in Denmark on Nasdaq Copenhagen, certain Danish takeover restrictions will likely apply to attempted takeovers of Topco. The Danish Takeover Order includes rules concerning public tender offers for the acquisition of shares admitted to trading on a regulated market (including Nasdaq Copenhagen). Pursuant to the Danish rules on mandatory tender offers, if a shareholding is transferred, directly or indirectly, in a company with one or more share classes admitted to trading on a regulated market, to an acquirer or to persons acting in concert with such acquirer, the acquirer and the persons acting in concert with such acquirer, if applicable, shall give all shareholders of the company the option to dispose of their shares on identical terms, if the acquirer, or the persons acting in concert with such acquirer, as a result of the transfer, gains control over the company as a result of the transfer. Control exists if the acquirer, or persons acting in concert with such acquirer, directly or indirectly, holds at least one-third of the voting rights in the company, unless it can be clearly proven in special cases that such ownership does not constitute control. Exemptions from the mandatory tender offer rules may only be granted under special circumstances by the DFSA.

The application of the Danish mandatory tender offer rule could inter alia have a deterrent effect on potential acquirers of Topco Shares if such acquisition would result in a transfer of control over Topco, if this would trigger an obligation to make a mandatory tender offer.

English law requires that companies meet certain additional financial requirements before they can declare dividends or repurchase shares following the Business Combination.

Under English law, a company generally can declare dividends, make distributions or repurchase shares (other than out of the proceeds of a new issuance of shares made for that purpose) only out of distributable reserves. Distributable reserves are a company’s accumulated, realized profits, to the extent not previously utilized for distributions or capitalization, less its accumulated, realized losses, to the extent not previously written off in a reduction or reorganization of capital.

Prior to the effective time of the Business Combination, Noble, as the current sole shareholder of Topco, will pass resolutions to approve a proposed reduction of capital after completion of the Business Combination (which for this purpose means upon completion of the Offer), to: (i) cancel the shares which will be held by Noble prior to the Business Combination and to reduce its share premium account; (ii) cancel any Capitalization shares (as defined in the Form S-4 Registration Statement) which are issued by Topco after completion of the Business Combination; and (iii) reduce the share premium created by the issue of the Topco Shares in connection with the Maersk Drilling Merger and, if applicable, the Offer, in each case to create distributable reserves from which Topco may declare and pay dividends in the future. As soon as practicable following completion of the Business Combination (which for this purpose means upon completion of the Offer) Topco will seek the approval of the High Court of Justice in England and Wales (the “Court”) to such cancellation and reduction through a customary process, which is required for the creation of distributable reserves to be effective. The approval of the Court is expected to be received approximately four weeks after the completion of the Business Combination. Prior to the receipt of the approval, Topco will be unable to declare dividends, make distributions or repurchase any of its own shares. If the approval of the Court is not received, it is expected that Topco will be subject to such limitation on its ability to declare dividends, make distributions or repurchase shares for the foreseeable future.

The market price of Topco Shares may be volatile, and the value of a holder’s investment could materially decline.

Investors who hold Topco Shares may not be able to sell their shares at or above the price at which they purchased the Ordinary Shares. The prices of Ordinary Shares and Maersk Drilling Shares have fluctuated materially from time to time, and Topco cannot predict the price of the Topco Shares. Broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of Topco Shares, regardless of Topco’s operating performance. In addition, the price of Topco Shares may be dependent upon the projections, valuations and recommendations of the analysts who cover the Topco business, and if its results or financial guidance do not meet the analysts’ projections and expectations, Topco’s share price could decline as a result of analysts lowering their projections, valuations and recommendations or otherwise.

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Following the completion of the Business Combination, Topco may be subject to UK corporation tax liabilities in the future under the UK derivative contracts regime in respect of the Topco Warrants.

Topco is expected to be subject to UK corporation tax pursuant to the UK derivative contracts regime in respect of the Topco Warrants, subject to any change in circumstances of the Topco Warrants. Under this regime, the profits chargeable to corporation tax in respect of the Topco Warrants, and the losses allowable by way of relief, would be calculated by reference to credits and debits which, as a general rule, follow the amounts that are recognized for accounting purposes in determining profit or loss in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice. Topco may therefore be subject to future charges to UK corporation tax depending on the movements in the fair value of the Topco Warrants from time to time, in line with the accounting treatment of the Topco Warrants.

Danish tax considerations could adversely affect Topco.

The Danish Tax Authorities may challenge whether Topco is entitled to a Danish withholding tax exemption on dividends from Maersk Drilling. Topco is a tax resident of the UK and will own a majority of the Maersk Drilling Shares following the closing of the Offer. Thus, Topco is expected to be entitled to the benefits under the double tax treaty between Denmark and the UK in regard to dividend distributions from Maersk Drilling, which would mean that dividends could be distributed from Maersk Drilling to Topco without Danish withholding tax.

In order to qualify for a withholding tax reduction with under the double tax treaty between Denmark and the UK, the recipient of dividends must be a treaty covered person and the beneficial owner of such dividends.

The view of the Danish Tax Authorities is that the beneficial ownership assessment is a transaction-based approach whereby the decisive factors include the level of activity and economic risk undertaken by the recipient and the ability to demonstrate real use and enjoyment rights in each case of any dividends received. Furthermore, Danish anti-avoidance provisions provide a legislative basis for the Danish tax authorities to deny a recipient of dividends, even though such recipient would otherwise qualify as the beneficial owner, the benefits of a double tax treaty in situations where the main purpose or one of the main purposes of an arrangement or transaction is to gain a tax advantage that would contradict the objective or purpose of a double tax treaty and the arrangement or transaction is considered artificial. An arrangement or transaction will be considered artificial if it has no valid commercial reasons. In practice, the Danish Tax Authorities consider whether a company is merely interposed for tax reasons and acts solely as a conduit.

Topco is a tax resident of the UK and is expected to conduct certain management functions relating to the holding of shares, financing, cash management, incentive compensation and other relevant holding company functions. In addition, Topco may in the future decide to invest in other assets and conduct other activities and, in such case, Topco management is expected to decide whether holding these assets or conducing these activities should be made directly at Topco, at Maersk Drilling or at any other subsidiary. Topco management believes that the characteristics of Topco as (i) a publicly listed company with numerous shareholders, (ii) management’s right to dispose of dividends received as it chooses and (iii) the economic risks born by Topco demonstrate that Topco is the beneficial owner of dividends from Maersk Drilling and not a conduit for distribution of such dividends to the shareholders and, accordingly, that the anti-avoidance rules are not expected to apply.

Topco will be a listed company on the NYSE and Nasdaq Copenhagen. Danish case law has shown that the Danish tax authorities and the Danish administrative courts have determined that there is a presumption of beneficial ownership at the level of a listed company, provided that (i) such company’s shares are listed on recognized markets, (ii) such company’s shares are held by a significant number of shareholders, (iii) the shares in the listed company are actually traded on the market, and (iv) there are viable commercial arguments supporting the establishment of the company.

The tests for beneficial ownership and application of Danish anti-avoidance rules are subjective and the ownership of Maersk Drilling will as such entail an inherent risk of a challenge from the Danish tax authorities.

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The current Danish withholding tax rate is 27% of the distribution. In the event that the Danish tax authorities take the view that the Topco is not the beneficial owner of dividends distributed, and therefore that Danish withholding tax should have been paid, any such payment would increase Topco’s tax burden, and hence its cash flows and financial position, and may prejudice Maersk Drilling’s ability to pay dividends itself. In the event that the Danish tax authorities should regard an EU “blacklisted” entity as the beneficial owner, a proportionate part of any distributions could be subject to 44% Danish withholding taxation.

Risks Related to the Maersk Drilling Group’s Business and Operations

The Maersk Drilling Group’s business involves numerous operating hazards. If a significant accident or other event occurs, and is not fully covered by the Maersk Drilling Group’s insurance policies or any enforceable or recoverable indemnity, it could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s operations are subject to hazards inherent in drilling for oil and natural gas, such as blowouts, reservoir damage, loss of production, loss of well control, punch through (for example, when one leg of the drilling rig breaks through the sea floor crust, destabilizing the rest of the rig), lost or stuck drill strings, equipment defects, craterings, fires, explosions and pollution. Offshore drilling and the provision of well services require the use of heavy equipment and exposure to hazardous conditions which carry inherent health and safety risks. The Maersk Drilling Group’s operations are also subject to hazards inherent in marine operations, such as capsizing, grounding, navigation errors, collision, oil and hazardous substance spills, extensive uncontrolled fires, damage from severe weather conditions, and marine life infestations. Such hazards could expose the Maersk Drilling Group to the risk of suspension or termination of operations, regulatory penalties or sanctions, property, environmental and other damage claims by customers or other third parties, which may in turn have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and reputation.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s insurance policies may not adequately cover losses, and the Maersk Drilling Group does not have insurance coverage or rights to an indemnity for all risks. In addition, the Maersk Drilling Group’s insurance coverage will not provide sufficient funds in all situations to protect the Maersk Drilling Group from all liabilities that could result from its operations, including because the amount of the Maersk Drilling Group’s insurance cover may be less than the related impact on enterprise value after a loss, and the Maersk Drilling Group’s coverage also includes policy limits. As a result, the Maersk Drilling Group retains the risk through paying directly for any losses in excess of these limits. The Maersk Drilling Group may also decide to retain substantially more risk through reduction of its insurance policies, and thus paying directly for potential losses in the future.

Although it is the Maersk Drilling Group’s policy to obtain contractual indemnities for as much as possible, it may not always be able to negotiate provisions to protect against all risks. Further, even when the Maersk Drilling Group receives indemnities from customers these may not be easily enforced and will be of limited value if the relevant customers do not have adequate resources to indemnify the Maersk Drilling Group.

No assurance can be made that the Maersk Drilling Group has, or the combined company will be able to maintain in the future, adequate insurance or indemnity against certain risks, and there is no assurance that such insurance or indemnification agreements will adequately protect the Maersk Drilling Group and the combined company against liability from all of the consequences of the hazards and risks described above. The occurrence of a significant accident or other adverse event which is not fully covered by the Maersk Drilling Group’s insurance or any enforceable or recoverable indemnity from a customer could result in substantial losses for the Maersk Drilling Group and could materially adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s results of operations, cash flow and financial condition. The occurrence of a significant accident or other adverse event could also cause the cost of insurance to increase significantly and have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s earnings, cash flow and financial condition.

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The Maersk Drilling Group relies on third-party subcontractors to complete some parts of its projects and its operations may be adversely affected by the sub-standard performance or non-performance of those third-party subcontractors.

The Maersk Drilling Group engages third-party subcontractors to perform some parts of its projects and in respect of new business models a majority of the services under a project may be subcontracted to third-party subcontractors. Subcontractors are used to perform certain services and to provide certain input in areas where the Maersk Drilling Group does not have requisite expertise. The subcontracting of work exposes the Maersk Drilling Group to risks associated with planning interface non-performance, delayed performance or substantial performance by its subcontractors. Any inability to hire qualified subcontractors could hinder successful completion of a project. Further, the Maersk Drilling Group’s employees may not have the requisite skills to be able to monitor or control the performance of these subcontractors. The Maersk Drilling Group may suffer losses on contracts if the amounts it is required to pay for subcontractor services exceed its original estimates. Remedial or mitigating actions, such as requiring contractual obligations on subcontractors that are similar to those the Maersk Drilling Group has with its customers, and requesting parent guarantees to cover nonperformance by subcontractors, may not be available or sufficient to mitigate the risks associated with subcontractors. For example, the Maersk Drilling Group has experienced issues with the performance of some of its key suppliers in the past, in particular in relation to delays in the delivery and maintenance of its subsea well-control equipment. Such issues could have a negative effect on Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group relies on third-party suppliers to provide parts, crew and equipment, and its operations may be adversely affected by supplier production disruptions, quality and sourcing issues, price increases or consolidation of suppliers as well as equipment breakdowns.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s reliance on third-party suppliers, manufacturers and service providers to secure equipment and crew used in the Maersk Drilling Group’s drilling operations exposes it to volatility in the quality, price and availability of such items. Certain specialized parts, crew and equipment used by the Maersk Drilling Group in its operations may be available only from a single or a small number of suppliers. A disruption in the deliveries from such third-party suppliers, capacity constraints, production disruptions, price increases, defects or quality-control issues, recalls or other decrease in the availability or servicing of parts and equipment could adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s ability to meet its commitments towards its customers, adversely impact operations and revenues by resulting in uncompensated downtime, reduced day rates under the relevant drilling contracts, cancellation or termination of contracts, or increased operating costs. In addition, consolidation of suppliers may limit the Maersk Drilling Group’s ability to obtain supplies and services when needed at an acceptable cost or at all.

Equipment deficiencies or breakdowns, whether due to faulty parts, quality control issues or inadequate installation, may result in increased maintenance costs and could adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations and revenues by resulting in financial downtime. For example, the Maersk Drilling Group has a multi-year maintenance project to overhaul jacking gears on certain jack-up rigs involving significant costs. While the Maersk Drilling Group is pursuing recovery options in respect of certain of the project costs, there can be no assurance as to the extent to which Maersk Drilling will recover those costs. If mitigation measures put in place by the Maersk Drilling Group are not effective, it could lead to significant financial downtime, adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s ability to meet its commitments towards its customers, potential cancellation or termination of drilling contracts, suspension or termination of operations, regulatory penalties or sanctions, property, environmental and other damage claims by customers or other third parties, which may in turn have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and reputation.

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The Maersk Drilling Group faces risks associated with creating and executing new business models, particularly when such business models involve a risk profile, remuneration, or financial scheme that is different from a conventional drilling contract.

As an important part of its “Smarter Drilling for Better Value” strategy, the Maersk Drilling Group is exploring, and has in the past, implemented various degrees of innovative business models with customers and partners in order to expand its share of the value chain, while simultaneously creating better outcomes for its customers and long-term resilience of its business through increased customer collaboration, differentiation and utilization. Although such business model innovation is intended to offer further earnings opportunities for the Maersk Drilling Group, there are risks associated with creating and executing new business models, particularly when such business models involve a risk profile, remuneration, or financial scheme that is different from the Maersk Drilling Group’s conventional drilling contracts.

The Maersk Drilling Group is currently implementing two broad categories of business models including:

The Maersk Drilling Group’s drilling rigs are subject to damage or destruction by severe weather, and its drilling operations may be affected by severe weather conditions.

Some of the Maersk Drilling Group’s drilling rigs are located in areas that frequently experience hurricanes and other forms of severe weather conditions. For example, rigs located in certain parts of the North Sea may be subject to strong currents and low service temperatures, and rigs operating in the US Gulf of Mexico may, from time to time, be subject to tropical storm systems with high winds and waves. These conditions can cause damage or destruction to its drilling rigs. Further, high winds and turbulent seas could cause the Maersk Drilling Group to suspend operations on drilling rigs for significant periods of time. Even if its drilling rigs are not damaged or lost due to severe weather, the Maersk Drilling Group may experience disruptions in its operations due to evacuations, reduced ability to transport personnel or necessary supplies to the drilling unit, or damage to its customers’ platforms and other related facilities. Future severe weather could result in the loss or damage to the Maersk Drilling Group’s rigs or curtailment of its operations, which could adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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The Maersk Drilling Group may experience reduced profitability or not fully realize its backlog of drilling revenue if its customers terminate, seek to renegotiate or fail to exercise an option to extend its drilling contracts, or if it fails to secure new drilling contracts.

The Maersk Drilling Group may be subject to the risk of its customers seeking to terminate or renegotiate their contracts. Customers’ financial positions, as well as restricted credit markets, may adversely affect their ability to perform their obligations under drilling contracts with the Maersk Drilling Group. As an example, the Maersk Drilling Group has experienced, as a result of events significantly adversely affecting customers’ demand for offshore drilling services (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), customers seeking to terminate or renegotiate their contracts. If the Maersk Drilling Group’s customers cancel or are unable or unwilling to renew some of their contracts, the Maersk Drilling Group will need to secure a new contract for that drilling rig and any time lag in doing so could lead to a period of non-utilization. In addition, where the Maersk Drilling Group tenders for new contracts, it is generally difficult to predict whether it will be awarded contracts on favorable terms or at all. The tenders are affected by a number of factors beyond the Maersk Drilling Group’s control, such as market conditions, competition (including the intensity of the competition in a particular market), financing arrangements and government approvals required by customers. If the Maersk Drilling Group is unable to secure new contracts on a timely basis and on substantially similar or better terms, if contracts are disputed or suspended for a period of time, or if a number of its contracts are renegotiated, such events would adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

In addition, customers exploring for or producing oil and/or natural gas (“E&P Companies”) commonly ask for options to extend their drilling contracts to include additional work. Such options may expose the Maersk Drilling Group to risk as the customer may decide not to exercise the option and the Maersk Drilling Group may, in the meantime, have to decline other work. In order to mitigate this risk, options should be exercised with a reasonable notice, however, getting E&P Companies to agree to include adequate notice provisions is difficult to achieve in a weak market. The need for long notice periods reflects the long lead times that characterize the industry in which the Maersk Drilling Group operates. Drilling rigs are often contracted long in advance of the date on which drilling commences and without adequate notice periods for options, the Maersk Drilling Group’s ability to market the rig effectively for future contacts may be compromised. Even if the customer decides to exercise the option and provides adequate notice, the terms of the option may be less favorable than the Maersk Drilling Group may otherwise be able to secure with alternative contracts.

Most of the Maersk Drilling Group’s drilling contracts may be cancelled by the customer without a termination fee becoming payable upon the occurrence of events beyond the Maersk Drilling Group’s control such as the loss or destruction of the drilling rig, or the suspension of drilling operations for a specified period of time as a result of a breakdown of critical equipment. While most of its contracts require the customer to pay a termination fee in the event of an early cancellation without cause, early termination payments will in most cases not fully compensate the Maersk Drilling Group for the full revenue loss of the contract and could result in the drilling rig becoming idle for an extended period of time. If the Maersk Drilling Group or its customers are unable to perform under existing contracts for any reason, or if the Maersk Drilling Group replaces terminated contracts with new contracts having less favorable terms, the Maersk Drilling Group’s backlog of estimated revenue would decline, adversely affecting the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Additionally, the Maersk Drilling Group’s customers may be entitled to pay a waiting, or standby, rate lower than the full operational day rate if a drilling rig is not available to be fully operational for the customer. In addition, if a drilling rig is taken out of service for maintenance and repair for a period of time exceeding the scheduled maintenance periods set forth in the drilling contract, the Maersk Drilling Group may not be entitled to payment of day rates until the rig is able to work. If the interruption of operations were to exceed a determined period, the Maersk Drilling Group’s customers may have the right to pay a rate that is significantly lower than the waiting rate for a period of time or may terminate the drilling contracts related to the subject rig. Prolonged payment of reduced rates or termination of any drilling contract as a result of an interruption of operations could materially adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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The announcement and pendency of the Business Combination, and uncertainty about the effects of the Business Combination, may increase the risks outlined above and may adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s ability to pursue otherwise attractive business opportunities as suppliers, vendors, partners, customers and other counterparties defer entering into contracts with, or making other decisions concerning the Maersk Drilling Group or seek to modify or terminate existing relationships with the Maersk Drilling Group.

The Maersk Drilling Group has certain customer concentrations, and the loss of a significant customer would adversely impact its financial results.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, six customers accounted for 77% of the Maersk Drilling Group’s consolidated revenue. Many of these relationships have lasted over 10 years. Of the $1.9 billion in contracted backlog as of December 31, 2021 (backlog represents expected revenues for 2022 and beyond and excludes Maersk Inspirer), 93% is attributable to six customers. The loss or material reduction of business from a significant customer could therefore have a material adverse impact on the Maersk Drilling Group’s results of operations and cash flows. Moreover, the Maersk Drilling Group’s drilling contracts subject it to counterparty risks. See “—The Maersk Drilling Group is exposed to the credit risks of key customers and certain other third parties.” The ability of each of the Maersk Drilling Group’s counterparties to perform its obligations under a contract with it will depend on a number of factors that are beyond its control such as the overall financial condition of the counterparty. Should a significant customer fail to honor its obligations under an agreement with the Maersk Drilling Group, the Maersk Drilling Group could sustain losses, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Loss of key personnel or the failure to obtain or retain highly skilled personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s success depends on its retention of key personnel and its ability to recruit, retain and develop skilled personnel for its business. The demand for personnel with the capabilities and experience required in the oil and natural gas services industries is high, and even higher when market conditions are strong, and success in attracting and retaining such employees is not guaranteed. In addition, the oil and gas industry generally has increasingly struggled to attract talented and qualified personnel. There is intense competition for skilled personnel and there are, and may continue to be, shortages in the availability of engineers and other appropriately skilled people at all levels. Shortages of qualified personnel or the Maersk Drilling Group’s inability to obtain and retain qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

In addition, uncertainty about the effect of the Business Combination on employees may impair the Maersk Drilling Group’s ability to retain and motivate key personnel. If the key employees depart because of uncertainty about their future roles and the potential complexities of the Business Combination, the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. See also “—Labor interruptions could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations.”

Labor interruptions could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations.

As of December 31, 2021, the Maersk Drilling Group had approximately 1,700 offshore and approximately 800 onshore employees. Labor interruptions may materially impact the Maersk Drilling Group. Certain of the Maersk Drilling Group’s employees and contractors in international markets, such as Norway and to a lesser extent Denmark, are represented by labor unions and work under collective bargaining or similar agreements, which are subject to periodic renegotiation. Although the Maersk Drilling Group has not experienced any labor disruptions in connection with its own personnel, there can be no assurance that labor disruptions by the Maersk Drilling Group’s employees will not occur in the future. Further, unionized employees of third parties on whom the Maersk Drilling Group relies may be involved in strikes or other forms of labor unrest, causing operational disruptions for the Maersk Drilling Group. Such industrial actions could result in additional costs to the Maersk

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Drilling Group, as well as limitations on the Maersk Drilling Group’s ability to operate its drilling rigs or provide services to its customers, which may have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, and results of operations. Further strikes are considered a possibility each year during annual salary negotiations. If future labor strikes force Maersk Drilling Group to shut down any of its operations, it could have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, and results of operations.

In addition, the Maersk Drilling Group will be required to reduce the size of its workforce post-Business Combination. Even if the process is implemented in accordance with the labor law practices in the relevant jurisdictions, there is a risk that certain redundancies may be challenged by employees or labor unions, and thus leading to multiple negotiations or legal proceedings. Such legal proceedings would result in additional costs for legal fees and, if unfavorable decisions were to be made against the Maersk Drilling Group, fines or damages. There is also a risk that the process will give rise to labor actions. Furthermore, major redundancies may also negatively affect the remaining personnel’s work environment and thereby harm daily operations.

The market value of equipment currently owned by the Maersk Drilling Group, including rigs, newbuilds and any further rigs the Maersk Drilling Group may acquire in the future may decrease. This could cause the Maersk Drilling Group to incur losses due to impairment of book values or if it decides to sell assets.

The fair market value of the drilling rigs and equipment currently owned by the Maersk Drilling Group and/or those the Maersk Drilling Group may acquire in the future, may increase or decrease depending on a number of factors, including:

The Maersk Drilling Group evaluates its book values on a regular basis based on the factors above and if drilling rig and equipment values fall significantly, the Maersk Drilling Group may have to record an impairment loss in its financial statements, which could adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s financial results and condition. In 2021, the Maersk Drilling Group recognized an impairment reversal of $11 million in connection with the sale of Maersk Gallant.

Upgrade, refurbishment and repair projects are subject to risks, including delays and cost overruns, which could have an adverse impact on the Maersk Drilling Group’s available cash resources and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group incurs upgrade, refurbishment and repair expenditures for its rigs from time to time, typically when upgrades are required by industry standards and/or by law. Such expenditures are also

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necessary in response to requests by customers, inspections, regulatory or certifying authorities or when a rig is damaged. Upgrade, refurbishment and repair projects are subject to execution risks, including cost overruns or delays resulting from, for example:

Significant cost overruns and/or delays have in the past and could in the future adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. Additionally, capital expenditures and deferred costs for upgrading and refurbishment projects, including any planned refurbishments, upgrades or conversions of the rigs, could exceed the Maersk Drilling Group’s planned capital expenditures. Failure to complete an upgrade, refurbishment, repair or conversion projects on time may, in some circumstances, result in the delay, renegotiation or cancellation of a drilling contract and could put at risk planned arrangements to commence operations on schedule. The Maersk Drilling Group could also be exposed to contractual penalties for failure to complete an upgrade, refurbishment or repair project and consequentially a failure to commence operations in a timely manner. Rigs undergoing upgrade, refurbishment or repairs generally do not earn a day rate during the period they are out of service. Failure by the Maersk Drilling Group to minimize lost day rates resulting from the immobilization of its rigs may materially adversely impact the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

There may be limits to the Maersk Drilling Group’s ability to mobilize rigs between geographic areas, and the duration, risks and associated costs of such mobilizations may be material to the Maersk Drilling Group’s business.

The offshore drilling industry is a global market as rigs can, depending on the technical capability of a rig to relocate and operate in various environments, as well as a rig’s regulatory compliance with local technical requirements, be moved from one area to another. However, mobilization of rigs is expensive and time-consuming and can be impacted by several factors including, but not limited to, governmental regulation and customs practices, availability of tugs and dry tow vessels, weather, currents, political instability, civil unrest, and military actions and rigs may as a result become stranded. Some jurisdictions, such as Norway, enforce strict technical requirements on the rigs, requiring substantial physical modification to the rigs before they can be utilized. Such modifications may require significant capital expenditures, and as a result, may limit the use of the

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rigs to those jurisdictions in the future. In addition, mobilization always caries the risk of damage to the rig. Failure to mobilize a rig in accordance with the deadlines set by a specific customer contract could result in a loss of compensation, liquidated damages or the cancellation or termination of the contract. In some cases, the Maersk Drilling Group may not be paid for the time that a rig is out of service during mobilization. In addition, in the hope of securing future contracts, the Maersk Drilling Group may choose to mobilize a rig to another geographic market without a customer contract in place. If no customer contracts are acquired, Maersk Drilling Group would be required to absorb these costs. Mobilization and relocating activities could therefore potentially have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Reactivation of stacked rigs is subject to risks, including delays and cost overruns, which could have an adverse impact on the Maersk Drilling Group’s available cash resources and results of operations.

As of December 31, 2021, the Maersk Drilling Group had one jack-up rig stacked in Denmark and one semisubmersible rig stacked in the Caspian Sea. The Maersk Drilling Group expects to reactivate those of its rigs that are currently stacked once those rigs are contracted and may consider reactivating additional rigs in anticipation of expected positive economic returns on such reactivation. Reactivation projects are subject to execution risks, including cost overruns or delays, which may adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. Capital expenditures and deferred costs for reactivation of stacked rigs could also exceed the Maersk Drilling Group’s planned capital expenditures. Failure to complete a reactivation on time may, in some circumstances, result in the delay, renegotiation or cancellation of a drilling contract and could put at risk planned arrangements to commence operations on schedule, exposing the Maersk Drilling Group to contractual penalties. A successful reactivation project could be impacted if incorrect or insufficient preservation processes were used during the stacking period, causing increased costs and/or delays for reactivation beyond that budgeted.

Physical infrastructure and logistics systems in some of the areas where the Maersk Drilling Group operates are underdeveloped.

Physical infrastructure and logistics systems, such as roads, air transport facilities and lines of communication, in certain areas of the world where the Maersk Drilling Group operates, are underdeveloped and may not have been adequately funded and maintained. For example, the Maersk Drilling Group operates in certain areas that are concurrently developing infrastructure around the oil and gas industry, such as West Africa, and such infrastructure is not always fully developed at the time that the Maersk Drilling Group is operating in the region. This may have an effect on the efficiency and safety of the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations in these regions due to reduced efficiency, predictability, reliability, and safety in the transportation of equipment and personnel. Breakdowns or failures of any part of the physical infrastructure or logistics systems in the areas where the Maersk Drilling Group operates may disrupt the Maersk Drilling Group’s normal business activities, cause the Maersk Drilling Group to suspend operations, or make Maersk Drilling Group operations impossible. Such circumstances, or any further deterioration of the physical infrastructure in the areas where the Maersk Drilling Group operates, may increase the costs of doing business and interrupt business operations, any or all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, as many new areas for drilling for oil and natural gas are made in areas of the world that may still be developing the relevant infrastructure, the Maersk Drilling Group’s exposure to this risk may increase in the future.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected if it does not make accurate assumptions and estimates when tendering for new drilling contracts.

The Maersk Drilling Group must make certain assumptions and estimates when it tenders for new contracts, as well as identify key issues and risks (including, but not limited to, the degree of complexity of the project assumptions regarding rig efficiency or utilization of equipment, HSSE performance requirements, operational

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expenses, mobilization costs, tax payments, availability of skilled personnel and availability of critical equipment with long lead times). Assumptions are particularly necessary when tendering for a new client or entering new product or geographic markets. Even when a risk is properly identified, the Maersk Drilling Group may be unable to or may not accurately quantify it. Unforeseen or unanticipated risks and incorrect assumptions when bidding for a contract may lead to increased costs and/or loss of revenue for the Maersk Drilling Group and could adversely affect its business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group is exposed to the credit risks of key customers and certain other third parties.

The Maersk Drilling Group is subject to risks of loss resulting from the non-payment or non-performance by third parties of their obligations. Although the Maersk Drilling Group monitors and manages counterparty risks, some of the Maersk Drilling Group’s customers and other parties may be highly leveraged and subject to their own operating, financial and regulatory risks. For example, some of the Maersk Drilling Group’s contractual counterparts are special purpose vehicles created for the purpose of carrying out a specific offshore oil and gas project. These special purpose vehicles typically have limited assets or capital, and the Maersk Drilling Group is not always able to obtain parent or third-party performance or financial guarantees for such counterparts’ obligations. During more challenging market environments, the Maersk Drilling Group will be subject to an increased risk of customers seeking to repudiate contracts. The ability of the Maersk Drilling Group’s customers to perform their contractual obligations may also be adversely affected by restricted credit markets and economic downturns. Any bankruptcy, insolvency or inability by the Maersk Drilling Group’s customers to settle their debts or honor their obligations to the Maersk Drilling Group when they fall due may adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group may also have considerable risk in relation to joint-venture partners and other parties with whom the Maersk Drilling Group does and will collaborate with, in particular related to the possible non-performance of such parties of their obligation towards the Maersk Drilling Group. See “—The Maersk Drilling Group faces risks associated with joint ventures and investments in associates.”

The Maersk Drilling Group’s labor costs and related operating costs could increase as a result of a number of factors.

A number of factors could increase the Maersk Drilling Group’s labor costs and potentially affect other costs of operations. For example, during historic periods of high growth within the industry, the cost of qualified personnel and equipment has increased dramatically. Even during periods of low growth within the industry, personnel and operating costs related to specific operations may increase as a result of increasingly-stringent local content requirements, which require personnel, services, and equipment to be sourced from the local jurisdiction (see also “—Legal and Regulatory Risks Related to the Maersk Drilling Group—The Maersk Drilling Group is subject to complex laws and regulations in various jurisdictions that can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of conducting its business.”).

Although the Maersk Drilling Group’s longer term contracts (those over 12 months in length) with customers typically include price escalation clauses, which establish agreed annual rate increases typically linked to a relevant index to cover the Maersk Drilling Group’s increased costs, there can be no assurance that such clauses will be sufficient to fully compensate the Maersk Drilling Group for higher personnel expenses or related operational costs. Further, certain countries where the Maersk Drilling Group operates may lack a suitable price escalation index, which makes it difficult for the Maersk Drilling Group to negotiate an acceptable escalation clause. Additional labor and related operating costs could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s operating and maintenance costs will not necessarily fluctuate in proportion to changes in operating revenues.

The majority of Maersk Drilling’s operating revenues are derived from day rates which are subject to fluctuations depending on external factors that include, but are not limited to, the general level of oil and gas

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prices and the demand and supply of drilling rigs. The same cannot be said for the Maersk Drilling Group’s operating and maintenance costs which are largely fixed in nature. Since record high day rates in 2014, day rates included in new contracts for Maersk Drilling Group’s drilling rigs have declined. In response, the Maersk Drilling Group has implemented cost reductions, however operating and maintenance costs have not declined in line with day rates during the same period. From 2017 into 2020, gradual improvements in day rates were observed, reflecting an upturn in the general market. In March 2020, in conjunction with the spread of a global pandemic, day rates and demand for drilling rigs fell to all-time lows. Since then, in the backdrop of the strongest oil price since 2014, demand for drilling rigs has rebounded and day rates have seen meaningful recoveries, although they still remain below levels observed in 2014. In a situation where a drilling rig faces longer idle periods, reductions in costs may not be immediate as some of the crew may be required to prepare drilling rigs for the idle period and the Maersk Drilling Group may not be able to successfully redeploy crew members who are not required to maintain the drilling rig. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Maersk Drilling Group will be successful in reducing its costs proportionately under circumstances where its revenues may also have decreased. To the extent that changes in the Maersk Drilling Group’s operating and maintenance costs are not proportionate to changes in operating revenues there may be a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group may not be able to keep pace with a significant step-change in technological development.

The market for the Maersk Drilling Group’s services is affected by significant technological developments that have resulted in, and will likely continue to result in, substantial improvements in equipment functions and performance throughout the industry. As a result, the Maersk Drilling Group’s future success and profitability will be dependent in part upon its ability to:

If the Maersk Drilling Group is not successful in acquiring new equipment or upgrading its existing drilling rigs, rental equipment, or the technical skill set of its employees on a timely and cost-effective basis in response to technological developments or changes in industry standards, or if a significant step-change in technology provides an alternative method for drilling, this could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s success depends to a large extent on IT systems, and the occurrence of an attack or other IT systems incident or break down could result in operational disruption, theft or data corruption and could cause financial or reputational harm to the Maersk Drilling Group.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s ability to timely and correctly obtain, process and transmit data related to its operations and products is critical to the effective management of its business. A breakdown of or disruption to any of the Maersk Drilling Group’s IT systems could materially impact its relationships with customers, its reputation and its operating costs and margins.

As dependence on digital technologies has increased, cyber incidents, including deliberate attacks or unintentional events, have also increased. A cyberattack could include gaining unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruptions and denial-of-service. In June 2017, A.P. Moller Maersk A/S and its consolidated subsidiaries (together, the “Maersk Group”), and many other firms and organizations in Europe and the United States, experienced a malicious ransomware-based cyberattack which resulted in significant and extended disruptions to critical IT systems and infrastructure. As a part of the Maersk Group at the time, the Maersk Drilling Group

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relied on certain of the Maersk Group’s IT systems. The cyberattack resulted in an effective lock down of infected computers on the Maersk Group’s network, with files and documents on affected systems involuntarily encrypted and rendered inaccessible. The cyberattack significantly limited computer access on the administrative side of the Maersk Drilling Group’s IT systems and infrastructure. However, due to information security counter-measures, the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations were unaffected by the cyberattack.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s technologies, systems and networks, and those of third parties on which the Maersk Drilling Group relies, could be the target of future cyberattacks or information security breaches. Any such event could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of proprietary and other information, or other disruption to the Maersk Drilling Group’s business and operations. In addition, certain cyber incidents, such as surveillance, could remain undetected for an extended period of time. There can be no assurance that the Maersk Drilling Group will not be the target of cyberattacks in the future or suffer losses related to any such cyber incident.

Such attacks could lead to IT systems downtime, loss of access to business applications, inability to meet legal, regulatory or contractual requirements, loss of business information and/or intellectual property through destruction or theft and adversely impact production networks and production capabilities. If the Maersk Drilling Group is not successful in achieving additional operational efficiencies and enhanced IT security through ongoing maintenance, improvement and development of its IT systems, its ability to maintain operational efficiencies and cost structure relative to its competitors and to defend against such cyber incidents could deteriorate, which could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group has engaged in divestments that may subject it to associated risks and liabilities.

The Maersk Drilling Group has provided, and may in the future provide, certain representations, warranties and indemnities in connection with the businesses it sells. For example in connection with the divestment of Maersk Inspirer in 2021 to Havila Sirius and the sale of the jack-ups Maersk Guardian and Maersk Gallant to New Fortress Energy in the first half of 2021, Maersk Drilling provided certain standard representations and warranties to the respective buyers. As a result, the Maersk Drilling Group may be subject to the risk of liability for breach of representations and warranties and/or indemnity obligations in favor of the respective buyers. While the Maersk Drilling Group does not currently believe there will be any material claims under the representations, warranties and indemnities it has provided, it is possible that claims could be made against the Maersk Drilling Group in the future. If such a claim or claims were successful, it could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

The Maersk Drilling Group faces risks associated with joint ventures and investments in associates.

The Maersk Drilling Group has made investments in joint ventures and associates. Such investments are often entered into to satisfy local requirements in certain jurisdictions and the terms of the investment agreements vary depending on the counterparty and jurisdiction involved. For example, the Maersk Drilling Group enters into joint ventures with local partners in the ordinary course of business to satisfy local content requirements in certain African countries in which it operates. Additionally, in April 2018, Maersk Drilling entered a joint venture agreement with Maersk Supply Service A/S to establish Maersk Decom A/S, for the purpose of providing bundled decommissioning solutions to global oil and natural gas operators.

Investments in joint ventures or associates over which the Maersk Drilling Group has partial or joint control are subject to the risk that the other shareholders of the joint venture or associate, who may have different business or investment strategies than the Maersk Drilling Group or with whom the Maersk Drilling Group may have a disagreement or dispute, may have the ability to block business, financial, or management decisions (such as the decision to distribute dividends or appoint members of management) which may be crucial to the success of the Maersk Drilling Group’s investment in the joint venture or associate, or could otherwise implement

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initiatives which may be contrary to the Maersk Drilling Group’s interests. The Maersk Drilling Group’s partners may be unable, or unwilling, to fulfil their obligations under the relevant shareholder agreements (for example by non-contributing working capital or other resources), or may experience financial, operational, or other difficulties that may adversely impact the Maersk Drilling Group’s investment in a particular joint venture or associate. In addition, the Maersk Drilling Group’s partners may lack sufficient controls and procedures which could expose the Maersk Drilling Group to risk. If any of the foregoing were to occur, such occurrence could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Financial Risks Related to the Maersk Drilling Group

The Maersk Drilling Group operates in a capital-intensive industry and its future sources of financing are not necessarily secured.

The Maersk Drilling Group operates in a capital-intensive industry and thus may have substantial capital needs in order to be able to cover its obligations in connection with maintaining its fleet of drilling rigs and any potential future growth strategies.

The Maersk Drilling Group finances its capital expenditures through a combination of operating cash flow and debt financing. It is not certain that the Maersk Drilling Group will generate enough free cash flow to enable it to cover all its financing needs without resorting to debt financing or that its capital expenditures and other investments will yield the returns that it anticipates. The Maersk Drilling Group has an undrawn revolving credit facility (the “Maersk Drilling Revolving Credit Facility”) in an aggregate principal amount of $400,000,000. Although it is expected that the Maersk Drilling Revolving Credit Facility will provide the Maersk Drilling Group with sufficient liquidity in case of potential downside scenarios, the available amount under the facility may not sufficiently cover the needs of the Maersk Drilling Group in situations where risk factors relating to, inter alia, idle periods, lower rates, lower payments for downtime, project cost overruns and cost increases materialize in a manner not foreseen and catered for by the Maersk Drilling Group. Moreover, it may not be possible, irrespective of the general level of interest rates, to obtain additional required debt financing or it may only be possible to do so with difficulty, with delay or at unfavorable commercial terms.

If the Maersk Drilling Group’s degree of leverage is too high, it could become more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in business or the economy generally. In addition, if the Maersk Drilling Group is unable to comply with the restrictions and the financial covenants in the Maersk Drilling Facilities Agreements or any future agreement governing its indebtedness, there could be a default under the terms of these agreements, which could result in an acceleration of repayment of funds that have been borrowed.

The Maersk Drilling Group has incurred, and may in the future incur, significant amounts of debt. As of December 31, 2021, the Maersk Drilling Group had total outstanding interest-bearing debt with a carrying amount of $1.05 billion. The Maersk Drilling Group’s degree of leverage could make it more vulnerable to a downturn in business or the economy generally. The Maersk Drilling Group could default on its debt service obligations, or, if it becomes more leveraged in the future, the resulting increase in debt service requirements could cause it to default on its obligations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

If the Maersk Drilling Group is unable to comply with the restrictions and covenants in the term and revolving facilities agreement with, inter alia, (i) DNB Bank ASA and Nordea Bank Abp, Filial i Norge as bookrunners, mandated lead arrangers and coordinators, (ii) BNP Paribas, Danske Bank A/S and ING Bank N.V. as bookrunners and mandated lead arrangers, (iii) Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft and Nykredit Bank A/S as mandated lead arrangers, (iv) Barclays Bank PLC and Skandinaviska Enkilda Banken AB (publ) as lead arrangers, (v) Clifford Capital Pte. Ltd., Citibank N.A., Jersey Branch, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., London Branch and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited as arrangers, (vi) certain of the subsidiaries

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of MDH as guarantors, (vii) the financial institutions listed therein as lenders, and (viii) DNB Bank ASA as agent and security agent (as amended and supplemented from time to time, the “Syndicated Facilities Agreement”), the $350 million term loan facility (the “DSF Facility”) originally dated December 10, 2018 with, inter alia, Danmarks Skibskredit A/S as arranger, original lender and security agent (the “DSF Facility Agreement” and, together with the Syndicated Facilities Agreement, the “Maersk Drilling Facilities Agreements”), or any other future debt financing agreements, there could be a default or cancellation under the terms of those agreements and lenders could terminate their commitments to lend or accelerate the outstanding loans and declare all amounts borrowed due and payable. The Maersk Drilling Group’s ability to comply with these restrictions and covenants, including meeting financial ratios and measures, is dependent on its future performance. Borrowings under debt arrangements that contain cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions may also be accelerated and become due and payable. In addition, each of the Syndicated Facilities Agreement and the DSF Facility Agreement include change of control provisions. If either of such change of control provisions is triggered, it could result in Maersk Drilling having to immediately prepay all amounts, including interest, accrued and owing under the facilities made available pursuant to the Syndicated Facilities Agreement and the DSF Facility Agreement, respectively. Moreover, the DSF Facility Agreement includes, with effect from, and subject to the occurrence of, the date of completion of the Offer, a provision to the effect that if A.P. Møller Holding A/S ceases to be represented on the Topco Board, this could result in the Maersk Drilling Group having to immediately prepay all amounts, including interest, accrued and owing under the facility made available pursuant to the DSF Facility Agreement.

In addition, the facilities under the Syndicated Facilities Agreement (the “Syndicated Facilities”) are secured, as of the date hereof, by (i) first priority mortgages on 17 of the Maersk Drilling Group’s 19 rigs/vessels (the “Syndicated Collateral Rigs”), (ii) first priority assignment of insurance of the Syndicated Collateral Rigs, (iii) first priority pledge of certain bank accounts, (iv) first priority share pledge in the group members being owners of the Syndicated Collateral Rigs and certain material intra-group charterers in respect of the Syndicated Collateral Rigs and (v) subordination of certain intra-group loans. In certain circumstances, earnings in respect of employment contracts for the Syndicated Collateral Rigs will be assigned in favor of the lenders under the Syndicated Facilities Agreement. The DSF Facility is secured by certain liens, including a first priority mortgage on Maersk Developer, Maersk Voyager and Maersk Venturer.

Accordingly, the Maersk Drilling Group’s degree of leverage, restrictive covenants in the Syndicated Facilities Agreement and the DSF Facility Agreement, respectively, or the fact that the majority of the Maersk Drilling Group’s existing assets have been pledged in favor of existing lenders could affect its ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, development or other general corporate purposes.

If any of these events occur, the Maersk Drilling Group cannot guarantee that its assets will be sufficient to repay in full all of its outstanding indebtedness, and the Maersk Drilling Group may be unable to find alternative financing. Even if the Maersk Drilling Group could obtain alternative financing, that financing might not be on terms that are favorable or acceptable. The occurrence of such events may have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s results are affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s income is primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, while the related expenses are incurred in a wide range of currencies, including U.S. dollars, Danish krone, pounds sterling, Australian dollars and Norwegian kroner. In order to manage foreign exchange rate exposure related to costs incurred in local currency, the Maersk Drilling Group has implemented a long-term hedging strategy, whereby costs associated with its head office in Denmark are hedged with financial transactions while in other jurisdictions the hedging strategy is to enter into customer contracts where an element of the contract value is in the local currency of the relevant jurisdiction to match, or hedge part of, the local costs.

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There are complexities inherent in determining whether and when foreign currency exposure of the Maersk Drilling Group will materialize. The Maersk Drilling Group may also have difficulty in fully implementing its hedging strategy if its hedging counterparties are unwilling to increase derivative risk limits with it, and the Maersk Drilling Group is also exposed to the risk of non-performance or default by these hedging counterparties. The exchange rates at which the Maersk Drilling Group is able to hedge its foreign currency exposure may also deteriorate. Accordingly, its foreign currency hedging strategy may not protect it from significant changes in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to other currencies, in particular over the long term, which could have a negative effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s results of operation and financial condition. In addition, in accordance with its hedging strategy, the Maersk Drilling Group estimates its local currency costs in order to hedge the local currency element of its non-U.S. dollar-denominated contracts and to the extent that any portion of such costs is not hedged, the Maersk Drilling Group will be exposed to changes in exchange rates, which may be significant. Failure to manage this cost/price exposure could have an effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition to the foreign currency exposure that the Maersk Drilling Group faces in its operations, certain jurisdictions in which the Maersk Drilling Group operates may from time to time impose restrictions on the movement of cash thereby limiting the Maersk Drilling Group’s ability to move money from the local jurisdiction. Any such restrictions could have an adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group is exposed to risks relating to interest rate fluctuations.

The facility made available under the DSF Facility Agreement and the majority of the facilities made available under the Syndicated Facilities Agreement have floating interest rates. In order to manage the Maersk Drilling Group’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations, the Maersk Drilling Group targets to have a portion of its gross debt at fixed interest rates either directly or through interest rate swaps over the duration of the Syndicated Facility.

If the Maersk Drilling Group is unable to effectively manage its interest rate exposure, any increase in market interest rates would increase the Maersk Drilling Group’s interest rate exposure, debt service obligations, earnings and cash flow. Such changes in interest rates could also have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Legal and Regulatory Risks Related to the Maersk Drilling Group

The Maersk Drilling Group is subject to complex laws and regulations in various jurisdictions that can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of conducting its business.

The Maersk Drilling Group operates globally across multiple jurisdictions and is subject to numerous laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which it operates, covering a variety of areas, including:

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In addition, some foreign governments favor or require: (i) the awarding of drilling contracts to contractors wholly or partially owned by their own citizens; (ii) the partial or complete ownership of drilling rigs and/or equipment by their own citizens; (iii) the local registration of companies or branches; (iv) the use of a local representative/agent; (v) the purchase of goods or services from local suppliers; (vi) ministerial or central bank approval for payments in a currency other than the local currency and/or (vii) the employment of their own citizens. These practices, known as “local content requirements,” may, to the extent that there is a limited supply of local suppliers, partners and contractors qualified for the Maersk Drilling Group’s services, materially adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s ability to compete or to operate in those regions as well as the Maersk Drilling Group’s costs and ultimately its business, financial condition, and results of operations. To the extent local content requirements are only discovered or confirmed after operations have commenced, the Maersk Drilling Group may be restricted from receiving payments for its drilling services, incur substantial costs and may ultimately be required to cease operations in the local jurisdiction. Further, it is difficult to predict what laws or regulations may be enacted in the future or how the local authorities’ implementation, interpretation, or enforcement of such regulations could adversely affect the global drilling industry and the Maersk Drilling Group’s business.

Applicable laws and regulations can significantly affect the ownership and operation of the Maersk Drilling Group’s rigs, and failure to comply may subject the Maersk Drilling Group to exclusion from the relevant market, loss of future and existing contracts, and criminal sanctions or administrative or civil remedies, including fines, denial of export privileges, injunctions, or seizures of assets. While the Maersk Drilling Group maintains policies designed to comply with various foreign laws and regulations, it may not be possible for the Maersk Drilling Group to detect or prevent every violation in every jurisdiction in which its employees, agents, subcontractors or joint venture partners are located. Should such a violation occur, the Maersk Drilling Group or its directors, officers, and employees may therefore be subject to civil and criminal penalties and to reputational damage.

The Maersk Drilling Group may be subject to liability under multifaceted environmental laws and regulations and contractual environmental liability, which could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s operations are subject to a variety of laws, regulations, and requirements in multiple jurisdictions controlling the discharge of various materials into the environment (including petroleum products, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls and other substances that may be present at, or released or emitted from, the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations), requiring removal and clean-up of materials that may harm the environment, controlling carbon dioxide emissions, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Such laws, regulations and requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The application of these requirements or the adoption of new requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

In general, the laws and regulations protecting the environment are becoming increasingly numerous, stringent, and complex. For example, the Maersk Drilling Group is subject to U.S. regulations (such as the Clean Water Act, and other regulations administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement), UK regulations (such as the requirement to have an Oil Pollution Emergency Plan pursuant to the Offshore Safety Directive), and other national and international regulations (such as the requirement to have a Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan pursuant to the International Maritime Organization). The Maersk Drilling Group incurs, and expects to continue to incur, significant capital and operating costs to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

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A failure to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations, or to obtain or maintain necessary environmental permits or approvals, or a non-compliant release of oil or other hazardous substances in connection with the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations could subject the Maersk Drilling Group to significant administrative and civil fines and penalties, criminal liability, remediation costs for natural resource damages, third-party damages, and material adverse publicity, or may result in the suspension or termination of its operations. Some laws may expose the Maersk Drilling Group to liability for the conduct of, or conditions caused by, third parties (including customers and subcontractors), or for acts that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time they were performed. Further, some of these laws and regulations may impose direct and strict liability, rendering a company or a person liable for environmental damage without regard to negligence. The Maersk Drilling Group is required to satisfy insurance and financial responsibility requirements for potential oil (including marine fuel) spills and other pollution incidents and the insurance may not be sufficient to cover all such risks and may at times become materially more costly to acquire.

The Maersk Drilling Group has generally been able to obtain some degree of contractual indemnification pursuant to which its customers agree to hold harmless and indemnify the Maersk Drilling Group against liability for pollution, well and environmental damage. However, generally in the oil and natural gas services industry there is increasing pressure from customers to pass on a larger portion of the liabilities to contractors, such as the Maersk Drilling Group, as part of their risk management policies. Further, there can be no assurance that the Maersk Drilling Group can obtain indemnities in its contracts or that, in the event of extensive pollution and environmental damage, its customers would have the financial capability to fulfil their contractual obligations. Further, such indemnities may be deemed legally unenforceable based on relevant law, including as a result of public policy.

Finally, if a major industry incident, such as the blowout of the Macondo well in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in 2010, was to occur again, this could lead to a regulatory response which may result in further increased operating costs and exposures. The Maersk Drilling Group cannot predict with any certainty what further impact, if any, future serious incidents may have on the regulation of offshore oil and natural gas exploration and development activity and the cost and availability of insurance coverage to cover the risks of such activities. The enactment of new or stricter regulations in the United States and other countries and increased liability for companies operating in this sector plus increased cost or unavailability of insurance could adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations.

Regulation of greenhouse gases (“GHGs”) and climate change related legislation, global decarbonization, and changes in the availability of financing for fossil fuel companies could have a negative impact on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Governments around the world are increasingly focused on enacting laws and regulations regarding climate change and regulation of greenhouse gases. Lawmakers and regulators in the jurisdictions where the Maersk Drilling Group operates have proposed or enacted regulations requiring reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and the restriction thereof. In addition, efforts have been made and continue to be made in the international community toward the adoption of international treaties or protocols that would address global climate change issues and impose reductions of hydrocarbon-based fuels, and encouraging the implementation of net-zero greenhouse gas emission pledges. The Norwegian government, for example, has declared that its goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030; to achieve that goal, Norway’s oil and gas producers may be required to lower their carbon output or purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions, which could unfavorably impact the Maersk Drilling Group’s customers and, in turn, the Maersk Drilling Group’s business. Laws or regulations incentivizing or mandating the use of alternative energy sources such as wind power and solar energy have also been enacted in certain jurisdictions. Numerous large cities globally and a few countries have mandated conversion from internal combustion engine-powered vehicles to electric-powered vehicles and placed restrictions on non-public transportation. Fuel conservation measures, alternative fuel requirements and increasing consumer demand for alternatives to oil could reduce demand for oil. These measures are aimed at reducing reliance on and future demand for oil, which could have a material impact on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business.

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In recent years, federal, state and local governments have taken steps to reduce emissions of GHGs and encourage decarbonization. The EPA has finalized a series of GHG monitoring, reporting and emissions control rules, and the U.S. Congress has, from time to time, considered adopting legislation to reduce emissions. Several states have already taken measures to reduce emissions of GHGs primarily through the development of GHG emission inventories or regional GHG cap-and-trade programs. While we are subject to certain federal GHG monitoring and reporting requirements, our operations currently are not adversely impacted by existing federal, state and local climate change initiatives. Although Congress previously considered but did not adopt proposed legislation aimed at reducing GHG emissions, recent Congressional resolutions and the new Democratic majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives make it likely Congress will soon consider new legislation requiring decarbonization or use of renewable energy in much higher proportions. The likelihood of such legislation has increased due to the current administration. Recently, several states and local jurisdictions have pledged to remove internal combustion engines from their roads as early as 2035. Consequently, legislation and regulatory programs to reduce GHG emissions could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Such environmental, social and governance activism and initiatives aimed at limiting climate change and reducing air pollution could impact our business activities, operations and ability to access capital. Furthermore, some parties have initiated public nuisance claims under federal or state common law against certain companies involved in the production of oil. As a result, private individuals or public entities may seek to enforce environmental laws and regulations against us and could allege personal injury, property damages or other liabilities. Although our business is not a party to any such litigation, we could be named in actions making similar allegations. An unfavorable ruling in any such case could significantly impact our operations and could have an adverse impact on our financial condition.

Laws, regulations, treaties, and international agreements related to greenhouse gases and climate change may unfavorably impact the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, its suppliers, and its customers, may result in increased compliance costs and operating restrictions, restrict the Maersk Drilling Group’s access to debt and equity capital or its ability to secure insurance coverage, and could reduce drilling in the offshore oil and natural gas industry generally, all of which would have a material adverse impact on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Finally, most scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of GHGs in the Earth’s atmosphere and climate change may produce significant physical effects on weather conditions, such as increased frequency and severity of droughts, storms, floods and other climatic events. If any such effects were to occur, they could adversely affect or delay demand for the oil or natural gas produced or cause us to incur significant costs in preparing for or responding to the effects of climatic events themselves. Potential adverse effects could include disruption of our production activities, including, for example, damages to our facilities from winds or floods, increases in our costs of operation or reductions in the efficiency of our operations, impacts on our personnel, supply chain, or distribution chain, as well as potentially increased costs for insurance coverages in the aftermath of such effects. Our ability to mitigate the adverse physical impacts of climate change depends in part upon our disaster preparedness and response and business continuity planning.

The Maersk Drilling Group operates globally across multiple jurisdictions, and is thereby exposed to a number of risks inherent in international operations, including political, civil, or economic disturbance.

The Maersk Drilling Group currently operates globally across multiple jurisdictions and may operate in additional countries in the future, thereby exposing it to risks that are inherent to conducting international operations, some of which are due to factors beyond the Maersk Drilling Group’s control, including:

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Some of these risks could result in events that limit or disrupt the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations (for example, by requiring or resulting in evacuation of personnel, cancellation of contracts, or the loss of personnel or assets), impose practical or legal barriers to the Maersk Drilling Group’s continued operations, or negatively impact the profitability of those operations, and could therefore have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. For example, the United States government has initiated or is considering imposing tariffs on certain imports and/or trade counterparties, including China, and certain foreign governments, including China, have initiated or are considering imposing retaliatory tariffs on certain United States goods. A global trade disruption, whether as the result of a prolonged “trade war” or some other reason, could result in changes to the cost of oil or other goods, impacting E&P Companies’ demand for drilling services.

If the Maersk Drilling Group or its customers are unable to acquire or renew permits and approvals required for drilling operations or are unable to comply with regulations required to maintain such permits and approvals, the Maersk Drilling Group may be forced to suspend or cease its operations, and its profitability may be reduced.

Crude oil and natural gas exploration and production operations require numerous permits and approvals for the Maersk Drilling Group and its customers from governmental agencies in the areas in which it operates. Many governmental agencies have increased regulatory oversight and permitting requirements in recent years. If the Maersk Drilling Group or its customers are not able to obtain necessary permits and approvals in a timely manner, the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations will be adversely affected. Obtaining all necessary permits and approvals may necessitate substantial expenditures to comply with the requirements of these permits and approvals. Future changes to these permits or approvals or any adverse change in the interpretation of existing permits and approvals could result in further unexpected, substantial expenditures. Such regulatory requirements and restrictions could also delay or curtail the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations, require it to make substantial expenditures to meet compliance requirements, and could have a material impact on its business, financial condition, and results of operations and may create a risk of expensive delays or loss of value if a project is unable to function as planned.

In addition, the Maersk Drilling Group is subject from time to time to audits by regulators who assess conformity with regulations. For example, in 2018, the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (“PSA”) conducted such an audit of the Maersk Drilling Group, together with other operators in the industry, to determine how they have established, verified and maintained the barrier function for evacuation to sea on all their units which hold an Acknowledgement of Compliance. Following a finding of deficiencies, the Maersk Drilling Group received an order from the PSA to (i) establish performance requirements for the specific technical, operational or

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organizational barrier elements required to ensure that the individual barrier is effective, know which barriers and barrier elements are non-functioning or weakened and (ii) initiate necessary measures for correcting or compensating for deficient or weakened barriers. In response to this, the Maersk Drilling Group initiated and imposed corrective measures to comply with the order. Failure to adequately comply with orders received from regulators could result in the requirement for further substantial expenditures, the imposition of operational restrictions on the Maersk Drilling Group and, potentially, the loss of required permits or approvals, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The complexity and continued development of local and international tax rules and interpretation thereof and the complexity of the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, together with increased political and public focus on multinational companies’ tax payments, may expose the Maersk Drilling Group to financial and reputational risks.

The Maersk Drilling Group operates in multiple jurisdictions, which entails an inherent tax risk, with respect to corporate taxes, value added taxes and excise duties, as well as withholding taxes and taxes regarding specific rig taxation, and allocation between jurisdictions hereof.

Most of the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations are subject to potential changes in tax regimes in a similar manner as other companies in the industry. General changes to applicable tax laws and regulations at the national level, or changes to the interpretation of existing rules or case law, could adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. The Maersk Drilling Group’s business requires it to make significant long-term capital expenditures and commitments on the basis of forecasts, including forecasts of potential tax liabilities. Changes in tax regimes or changes to interpretation of existing rules may have a detrimental effect on the business cases for certain long-term investments.

As tax laws are complex and subject to interpretation, there is a risk that the Maersk Drilling Group may not be able to maintain a position as expressed in a tax return following the filing of such tax return. The Maersk Drilling Group recognizes provisions in its financial statements for known and material tax risks based on the assessed probability of such risks materializing. As a result, such provisions are generally lower than the potential maximum risks. If unknown tax risks were to materialize, this could result in a material amount of taxes payable, penalties, and interests. Any payment of taxes exceeding the amount recognized in provisions could negatively affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s cash flows and financial results.

As a result of the Maersk Drilling Group being a multi-jurisdiction business with assets owned in different jurisdictions, it is subject to complex and subjective transfer pricing rules. The Maersk Drilling Group takes part in a significant number of intercompany transactions on a yearly basis, which includes transactions in and across different tax regimes. Such transactions must be carried out at arm’s length to comply with local transfer pricing rules and the international standards set out by the OECD. The high number of transactions and the complexity of the business, together with compliance requirements, may cause non-compliance with transfer pricing rules. Any non-compliance could result in material tax expenses, interests and/or penalties, and in some instances, double taxation. Double taxation is, in particular, a risk when operating in countries outside the European Union.

The Maersk Drilling Group operates in several different value added tax or excise duty regimes and has taken part in a number of highly complex international and local transactions. The high number of transactions and the complexity of the business, together with compliance requirements, may cause non-compliance with value-added tax and excise duty rules. Any non-compliance could result in material tax expenses, interests and/or penalties.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s effective tax rate is impacted by the mix of income earned in different countries and the related corporate tax rate, as well as withholding taxes upon repatriation of profit locally. Local tax rules, interpretation of tax rules and case law in different jurisdictions change over time, and may be

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implemented with retroactive effect. Interest limitation rules may affect the ability to claim tax deductions for external and internal financial costs thus also increasing the effective tax rate. Changes in local tax legislation could impact the effective tax rate, as well as impose a risk of breach of such regulations.

The Maersk Drilling Group owns rigs directly or through subsidiaries in Denmark, Singapore and the United Kingdom. In Singapore, the income from rigs is subject to local shipping exemption rules imposing a tonnage based tax. However, based on prior tax cases the profit allocation between Denmark and Singapore could materially affect the effective tax rate and the underlying cash tax payments going forward. The OECD project on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting in general and also with respect to suggestions for taxation under Pillar I and Pillar II, in particular the proposed implementation of a global minimum tax rate of at least 15% for large multinational corporations on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, may adversely affect the tax setup of the Maersk Drilling Group and result in additional cash taxes.

The political and public focus on multinational companies’ tax payments has increased in recent years, together with the complexity of the tax rules and business activities. As a result, Maersk Drilling Group’s decisions related to tax may be publicly criticized.

As a result of any of the above, the Maersk Drilling Group could experience material adverse effects on its business, financial condition, and results of operations, and could lead to reputational damage.

In addition, the Maersk Drilling Group’s tax positions are subject to audit by relevant tax authorities who may disagree with the Maersk Drilling Group’s interpretations or assessments of the effects of tax laws, treaties, or regulations, or their applicability to its corporate structure or certain of its transactions it has undertaken. Such challenges may arise even in relation to matters that have been the subject of agreement or settlements with the relevant tax authorities in the past, e.g., tax reorganizations. If any tax authority successfully challenges the Maersk Drilling Group’s operational structure, intercompany pricing policies, the taxable presence of its subsidiaries in certain countries, or if the Maersk Drilling Group loses a material tax dispute in any country, or any tax challenge of the Maersk Drilling Group’s tax payments is successful, the Maersk Drilling Group’s effective tax rate on its earnings could increase substantially and the Maersk Drilling Group’s earnings and cash flows from operations could be materially adversely affected. There are, for instance, several transactions taking place between the companies in the Maersk Drilling Group, which must be carried out in accordance with arm’s-length principles in order to avoid adverse tax consequences. Statutory documentation on a transfer pricing policy with the aim of determining arm’s-length prices for intercompany transactions has been established in order to minimize this risk. However, there can be no assurance that the tax authorities will conclude that the Maersk Drilling Group’s transfer pricing policy calculates correct arm’s-length prices for intercompany transactions. This could lead to an adjustment of the agreed price, which would in turn lead to an increased tax cost for the Maersk Drilling Group. The Maersk Drilling Group could therefore incur material amounts of tax cost in excess of currently recorded amounts if its positions are challenged and it is unsuccessful in defending them.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s international activities increase the compliance risk associated with applicable anti-corruption laws.

The Maersk Drilling Group currently operates in several countries, including in some where the risks associated with fraud, bribery, and corruption are significant, and may operate in additional countries in the future. The Maersk Drilling Group may be subject to the requirements of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010, and similar anti-corruption laws in other jurisdictions. The degree of compliance risk associated with such anti-corruption laws may vary from country to country, depending on the strength of the applicable legal and regulatory regime. The Maersk Drilling Group is committed to doing business in accordance with applicable anti-corruption laws and has adopted policies and procedures which are designed to promote legal and regulatory compliance therewith. However, the Maersk Drilling Group’s employees, agents and/or partners acting on its behalf may take actions determined to be in violation of such applicable laws and regulations. The Maersk Drilling Group in such cases may only be able to exercise limited

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control over the actions of its agents and partners, for example in the case of actions of employees of joint ventures, local partners, agents and sub-contractors. Any such violation could result in substantial fines, sanctions, deferred settlement agreements, civil and/or criminal penalties, or curtailment or prohibition of operations in certain jurisdictions, which might materially adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage the Maersk Drilling Group’s reputation and ability to do business. Furthermore, detecting, investigating and resolving actual or alleged violations is expensive and could consume significant time and attention of senior management.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s international activities increase the compliance risks associated with economic and trade sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union and other jurisdictions.

To support Maersk Drilling Group’s international operations, it sources labor, equipment, and parts from a variety of countries, including the U.S. and countries within the EU. Due to the international movement of assets, goods, people, and funds inherent in its operations, the Maersk Drilling Group is subject to economic and trade sanctions and export control laws and regulations imposed by the U.S. (including U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Bureau of Industry and Security), the EU, and other jurisdictions, as well as the United Nations.

Under economic and trade sanctions laws and regulations, relevant authorities may seek to restrict certain business practices and economic activities, which may consequently restrict the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, increase compliance costs, and, in the event of any violations, subject the Maersk Drilling Group to fines, penalties, costly mandatory monitoring of compliance program, and other sanctions.

The Maersk Drilling Group is committed to doing business in accordance with applicable sanctions and export control laws and regulations and has adopted policies and procedures which are designed to promote legal and regulatory compliance therewith. However, if the Maersk Drilling Group fails to comply with applicable sanctions through its foreign trade controls compliance programs, it could be subject to substantial fines, sanctions, deferred settlement agreements, civil and/or criminal penalties, or curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. Similarly, the Maersk Drilling Group’s reliance on third-party subcontractors to perform some parts of its projects creates additional compliance risk, as such third-parties’ non-compliance may expose the Maersk Drilling Group to additional sanctions or penalties.

Expansion of sanctions programs, embargoes and other restrictions in the future (including additional designations of countries or groups subject to sanctions), or modifications in how existing sanctions are interpreted or enforced, could also place or increase restrictions on the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations in countries in which it currently conducts business or on planned and potential operations in countries in which it may conduct business in the future. If any of the risks described above materialize, it could have a material adverse impact on the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s activities require the processing of personal data, thereby exposing it to compliance risks associated with relevant data protection laws.

In the regular course of business, the Maersk Drilling Group processes certain categories of personal data about its employees, consultants, and individual representatives of various third parties. For example, the Maersk Drilling Group processes personal data of its employees and employees of suppliers and subcontractors who enter and work on its rigs, which may include identifying information, professional qualifications and health information. The Maersk Drilling Group is subject to the requirements of various data privacy and protection laws and regulations in force in the areas in which it operates, including but not limited to the EU General Data Protection Regulation. The Maersk Drilling Group is committed to doing business in accordance with applicable data protection laws and regulations and has adopted policies and procedures which are designed to promote legal and regulatory compliance therewith. However, if the Maersk Drilling Group fails to comply with applicable legal requirements through its data protection compliance program, it could be subject to substantial

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fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, or curtailment of relevant data processing activities in certain jurisdictions, which might materially adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Maersk Drilling Group’s operations are subject to the risks of litigation and other legal and regulatory proceedings.

At any given time, the Maersk Drilling Group is involved in litigation and other legal and regulatory proceedings, including with tax authorities, arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise. Such proceedings may include claims related to commercial, labor, employment, securities, tax, HSSE, or other matters and may result in significant damages and/or fines. The process of managing such proceedings, even if the Maersk Drilling Group is successful, may be costly, and may approximate the cost of damages sought.

Actions against the Maersk Drilling Group could also expose it to adverse publicity, which might adversely affect its brand and reputation. The course and expenses of such proceedings, and the outcome of any given matter, cannot be predicted with certainty and adverse trends, expenses, and outcomes could adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Where provisions have already been recognized in financial statements for ongoing legal or regulatory matters, these have been recognized as the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation as at the reporting date. Such estimates are inherently uncertain and it is possible that the eventual outcomes may differ materially from current estimates, resulting in future increases or decreases to the required provisions, or actual losses that exceed or fall short of the provisions recognized. For further information, see Note 2.8 of the Maersk Drilling consolidated financial statements and notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

Technology disputes involving the Maersk Drilling Group or the Maersk Drilling Group’s suppliers or sub-suppliers could impact the Maersk Drilling Group’s operations.

The services provided by the Maersk Drilling Group utilize patented or otherwise proprietary technology, and consequently involve a potential risk of infringement of third-party rights. It is not uncommon for industry participants to pursue legal action to protect their intellectual property and entities in the Maersk Drilling Group have been involved in such legal actions in the past. The Maersk Drilling Group is not currently aware of any patents that create a material risk of the Maersk Drilling Group infringing third-party rights. However, there can be no assurance that other industry participants will not pursue legal action against the Maersk Drilling Group to protect intellectual property that the Maersk Drilling Group may at least allegedly utilize. Such legal action could result in limitations on the Maersk Drilling Group’s ability to use the patented technology or require the Maersk Drilling Group to pay a fee for the continued use of intellectual property.

The majority of the intellectual property rights relating to the Maersk Drilling Group are owned by the Maersk Drilling Group’s suppliers or sub-suppliers and relate to the equipment installed on the drilling rigs. In the event that the Maersk Drilling Group or one of its suppliers or sub-suppliers becomes involved in a dispute over infringement of intellectual property rights relating to assets provided by suppliers or sub-suppliers to or otherwise used by the Maersk Drilling Group, the Maersk Drilling Group may lose access to repair services, replacement parts, or could be required to cease use of the relevant assets or intellectual property. The Maersk Drilling Group could also be required to pay royalties for the use of such assets or intellectual property. The consequences of technology disputes involving the Maersk Drilling Group or its suppliers could materially adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Certain of the Maersk Drilling Group’s contracts with its suppliers provide the Maersk Drilling Group with contractual rights to indemnity from the supplier against intellectual property lawsuits. However, such contractual rights to indemnity may not adequately cover losses or cover all risks, and no assurances can be given

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that the Maersk Drilling Group’s suppliers will be willing or financially able to indemnify the Maersk Drilling Group against these risks, or that such contractual indemnities will protect the Maersk Drilling Group from adverse consequences of such technology disputes.

In addition, the Maersk Drilling Group may choose to pursue legal action to protect its intellectual property. If the Maersk Drilling Group is unable to protect and maintain its intellectual property rights, or if there are any successful intellectual property challenges proceedings against the Maersk Drilling Group, its ability to differentiate its future service offerings could diminish. None of the Maersk Drilling Group’s current service offerings in operation relies on patented information for differentiation and there are currently no such cases ongoing, but there is no guarantee that such cases or claims will not be raised in the future. In addition, from time to time, the Maersk Drilling Group may pursue action to challenge patents of competitors, suppliers and others. Should these cases not succeed, the Maersk Drilling Group may be subject to legal costs and may not be able to use the patented technology or may have to pay a fee for the continued use of such patents. The consequences of any of the intellectual property disputes with third parties described above could materially adversely affect the Maersk Drilling Group’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus includes or incorporates by reference “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical facts included or incorporated in this prospectus, including those regarding the impact of our emergence from bankruptcy on our business and relationships, the global novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic and agreements regarding production levels among members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and other oil and gas producing nations (together with OPEC, “OPEC+”), and any expectations we may have with respect thereto, and those regarding rig demand, peak oil, the offshore drilling market, oil prices, contract backlog, fleet status, our future financial position, business strategy, impairments, repayment of debt, credit ratings, liquidity, borrowings under any credit facilities or other instruments, sources of funds, future capital expenditures, contract commitments, dayrates, contract commencements, extension or renewals, contract tenders, the outcome of any dispute, litigation, audit or investigation, plans and objectives of management for future operations, foreign currency requirements, results of joint ventures, indemnity and other contract claims, reactivation, refurbishment, conversion and upgrade of rigs, rig acquisitions and dispositions, industry conditions, access to financing, impact of competition, governmental regulations and permitting, availability of labor, worldwide economic conditions, taxes and tax rates, indebtedness covenant compliance, dividends and distributable reserves, timing, benefits or results of acquisitions or dispositions (including the Pacific Drilling Merger and the Business Combination and our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions related to the Pacific Drilling Merger and the Business Combination), and timing for compliance with any new regulations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would,” “shall,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that such expectations will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they appear and we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason, except as required by law. We have identified factors, including but not limited to risks and uncertainties relating to the Pacific Drilling Merger (including the risk that the Pacific Drilling Merger disrupts the parties’ current plans and operations as a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Pacific Drilling Merger Agreement, the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Pacific Drilling Merger, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees, costs related to the Pacific Drilling Merger, changes in applicable laws or regulations, the possibility that the combined company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors and the ability of the combined company to improve its operating structure, financial results and profitability and to maintain relationships with suppliers, customers, employees and other third parties), the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling (including the risk that the Business Combination may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Business Combination, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement, the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Business Combination on Noble’s or Maersk Drilling’s business relationships, performance and business generally, the risk that the proposed Business Combination disrupts current plans of Noble or Maersk Drilling and potential difficulties in Noble’s or Maersk Drilling’s employee retention as a result of the proposed Business Combination, the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Noble or Maersk Drilling related to the Business Combination Agreement or the proposed Business Combination, requirements, conditions or costs that may be imposed on Noble or Maersk Drilling in connection with obtaining regulatory approvals of the Business Combination, the ability of Topco to list the Topco Shares on the NYSE or Nasdaq Copenhagen, volatility in the price of the securities of the combined companies (Noble and Maersk Drilling) due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive markets in which Topco plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Topco’s business and changes in the combined capital structure, the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and

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other expectations (including with respect to synergies and financial and operational metrics, such as EBITDA and free cash flow) after the completion of the proposed Business Combination, and to identify and realize additional opportunities, the failure to realize anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination, the potential impact of announcement or consummation of the proposed Business Combination on relationships with third parties, and risks associated with assumptions that parties make in connection with the parties’ critical accounting estimates and other judgments), the effects of public health threats, pandemics and epidemics, such as the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, and the adverse impact thereof on our business, financial condition and results of operations (including but not limited to our growth, operating costs, supply chain, availability of labor, logistical capabilities, customer demand for our services and industry demand generally, our liquidity, the price of our securities and trading markets with respect thereto, our ability to access capital markets, and the global economy and financial markets generally), the effects of actions by or disputes among OPEC+ members with respect to production levels or other matters related to the price of oil, market conditions, factors affecting the level of activity in the oil and gas industry, supply and demand of drilling rigs, factors affecting the duration of contracts, the actual amount of downtime, factors that reduce applicable dayrates, operating hazards and delays, risks associated with operations outside the United States (“US”), actions by regulatory authorities, credit rating agencies, customers, joint venture partners, contractors, lenders and other third parties, legislation and regulations affecting drilling operations, compliance with or changes in environmental, health, safety, tax and other regulations or requirements or initiatives (including those addressing the impact of global climate change or air emissions), violations of anti-corruption laws, shipyard risk and timing, delays in mobilization of rigs, hurricanes and other weather conditions, and the future price of oil and gas, that could cause actual plans or results to differ materially from those included in any forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed as a result of various factors. These factors include those referenced or described under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, or in our other filings with the SEC. We cannot control such risk factors and other uncertainties, and in many cases, we cannot predict the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. You should consider these risks and uncertainties when you are evaluating an investment in the Ordinary Shares.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

The Ordinary Shares offered hereby are being registered for the account of the selling shareholders identified in this prospectus or in a subsequent prospectus supplement. See “Selling Shareholders.” All net proceeds from the sale of the Ordinary Shares will go to the selling shareholders. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Ordinary Shares by the selling shareholders pursuant to this prospectus. The selling shareholders will pay any underwriting fees, discounts or commissions and transfer taxes relating to the sale of the Ordinary Shares. We will pay all other costs, fees and expenses incurred in effecting the registration of the Ordinary Shares covered by this prospectus, including, without limitation, the SEC registration fee with respect to the Ordinary Shares covered by this prospectus, reasonable fees and expenses of our counsel, auditors and accountants and reasonable fees and expenses of underwriters to the extent customarily paid by issuers or sellers of securities.

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Topco is a private limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales to be the ultimate parent company of Noble and Maersk Drilling. As of the filing of this prospectus, Topco has no material assets and does not operate any businesses. Accordingly, Topco’s historical financial information has not been included in this prospectus or the pro forma financial information presented below. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of Topco and the accompanying footnotes (the “Pro Forma Financial Information”) reflects the impact of the following contemplated transaction:

The Pro Forma Financial Information also reflects the impact of the following transactions that have been completed since January 1, 2021 but have not been included in the results of operations for the entire period presented for the pro forma condensed combined statement of operations (collectively, the “Completed Transactions”):

The Pro Forma Financial Information has been prepared under the following assumptions:

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The Pro Forma Financial Information does not represent what the actual consolidated results of operations or the consolidated financial position of Topco would have been had the Business Combination and the Completed Transactions occurred on the dates assumed, nor are they necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position. The assumptions made by Noble underlying the pro forma adjustments are described in the accompanying notes to these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements. Adjustments are based on information available to Noble’s management during the preparation of the Pro Forma Financial Information and assumptions that Noble’s management believes are reasonable and supportable. The pro forma adjustments, which are described in the accompanying notes, may be revised by Noble as additional information becomes available and is evaluated. Therefore, it is likely that the actual adjustments upon the completion of the Business Combination will differ from the pro forma adjustments, and it is possible the differences may be material.

Noble’s management has not presented the effects of anticipated costs or savings associated with certain restructuring, severance, termination-related benefits, or other integration activities resulting from the Business Combination as the specificity of the timing and nature of such items is still under evaluation as of the date of this prospectus.

The Pro Forma Financial Information should be read in conjunction with the following:

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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2021

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2021

(in thousands)

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(in thousands, except per share amounts or otherwise indicated)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

The Pro Forma Financial Information has been prepared by Noble in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786 “Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses,” which was adopted in May 2020 and became effective on January 1, 2021. The pro forma adjustments include transaction accounting adjustments, which reflect the application of required accounting for the Business Combination and the Completed Transactions.

The historical consolidated financial statements of Noble were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and shown in U.S. dollars. The historical consolidated financial statements of Maersk Drilling were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and shown in U.S. dollars. Refer to Note 4 for the adjustments identified by Maersk Drilling to convert Maersk Drilling’s historical financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS to Noble’s basis of accounting under U.S. GAAP.

Noble adopted fresh start accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 852 upon Noble’s emergence from reorganization under Chapter 11, resulting in reorganized Noble becoming the successor entity (solely for purposes of this section, “Successor”) for financial reporting purposes. In accordance with ASC Topic 852, with the application of fresh start accounting, Noble allocated its reorganization value to its individual assets based on their estimated fair values in conformity with ASC 805. Liabilities subject to compromise of the predecessor entity of Noble (solely for purposes of this section, “Predecessor”) were either reinstated or extinguished as part of the reorganization.

Note 2. Business Combination with Maersk Drilling and Estimated Purchase Consideration

Business Combination Agreement

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Business Combination Agreement, at the Maersk Drilling Merger Effective Time, (i) each Noble Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Maersk Drilling Merger Effective Time will be converted into one newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Topco Share, (ii) each Penny Warrant outstanding immediately prior to the Maersk Drilling Merger Effective Time will cease to represent the right to acquire Noble Shares and will be automatically cancelled, converted into and exchanged for a number of Topco Shares equal to the number of Noble Shares underlying such Penny Warrant, rounded to the nearest whole share, and (iii) each Emergence Warrant outstanding immediately prior to the Maersk Drilling Merger Effective Time will be converted automatically into a Topco Warrant to acquire a number of Topco Shares equal to the number of Noble Shares underlying such Emergence Warrant, with the same terms as were in effect immediately prior to the Maersk Drilling Merger Effective Time under the terms of the applicable warrant agreement. In addition, each Noble RSU Award that is outstanding immediately prior to the Maersk Drilling Merger Effective Time will cease to represent a right to acquire Noble Shares (or value equivalent to Noble Shares) and will be exchanged for restricted share units representing the right to acquire, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under the Noble RSU Award (including any vesting conditions), that number of Topco Shares equal to the number of Noble Shares subject to such Noble RSU Award immediately prior to the Maersk Drilling Merger Effective Time.

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Business Combination Agreement, following the approval of certain regulatory filings with the DFSA, Topco has agreed to commence the Offer to acquire up to 100% of the then outstanding Maersk Drilling Shares and voting rights of Maersk Drilling, not including any treasury shares held by Maersk Drilling. The Offer is conditioned upon, among other things, holders of at least 80% of the then outstanding Maersk Drilling Shares and voting rights of Maersk Drilling tendering their shares in the Offer (which percentage may be lowered by Topco in its sole discretion to not less than 70%).

In the Offer, Maersk Drilling shareholders may exchange each Maersk Drilling Share at the Exchange Ratio of 1.6137 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Topco Shares, and each Maersk Drilling

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shareholder will have the ability to elect the cash consideration for up to $1,000 of their Maersk Drilling Shares (payable in DKK), subject to an aggregate cash consideration cap of $50 million.

Each of Maersk Drilling and Topco will take steps to procure that each Maersk Drilling RSU Award that is outstanding immediately prior to the Acceptance Time is exchanged, at the Acceptance Time, with the right to receive on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under the Maersk Drilling LTI (including any vesting conditions), that number of Topco Shares equal to the product of (1) the number of Maersk Drilling Shares subject to such Maersk Drilling RSU Award immediately prior to the Acceptance Time and (2) the Exchange Ratio, with any fractional Maersk Drilling Shares rounded to the nearest whole share. Upon such exchange, such Maersk Drilling RSU Awards will cease to represent a right to receive Maersk Drilling Shares (or value equivalent to Maersk Drilling Shares).

Following the closing of the Business Combination, assuming all of the Maersk Drilling Shares are acquired by Topco through the Offer and no cash is paid by Topco in the Offer, Topco will own all of Noble’s and Maersk Drilling’s respective businesses and the former shareholders of Noble and former shareholders of Maersk Drilling will each own approximately 50% of the outstanding Topco Shares (or 50.8% and 49.2%, respectively, assuming Topco pays the full cash consideration cap of $50 million in the Offer and using the volume-weighted average closing price of the Noble Shares as of December 6, 2021), excluding dilution from outstanding Noble warrants and stock-based compensation from Noble and Maersk Drilling.

The acquisition method of accounting for business combinations was used by Noble in accordance with ASC 805, with Noble expected to be the accounting acquirer of Maersk Drilling. The Business Combination Agreement uses the fixed Exchange Ratio of Topco Shares for Maersk Drilling Shares, which is expected to result in a 52% pro forma equity stake for Noble shareholders and 48% pro forma equity stake for Maersk Drilling shareholders in the post-closing combined company (assuming a tender of 100% of Maersk Drilling’s current issued and outstanding share capital and capturing the dilutive impact of outstanding Noble in-the-money warrants after application of the treasury stock method of potential settlement). If any of the cash consideration is elected, existing Maersk Drilling shareholders’ ownership in the post-closing company would be further diluted. Accordingly, Noble shareholders are expected to hold a majority interest in the combined company after the Business Combination is completed. The board of directors will be comprised of seven members, including three individuals designated by Noble, three individuals designated by Maersk Drilling, and Robert W. Eifler, current President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble, who will serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the combined company. Of the three individuals designated by Noble, up to two individuals may be designated by the Investor Manager (depending upon the Investor Manager’s percentage ownership of outstanding Topco Shares). Of the three individuals designated by Maersk Drilling, up to two individuals may be designated by APMH Invest (depending upon the APMH Invest percentage ownership of outstanding Topco Shares). Further, the combined company name, ticker symbol, and headquarters will remain consistent with that of Noble. Based on Noble shareholders’ majority equity stake in the combined company, the composition of the board of directors of the combined company, and the other factors noted herein, Noble is expected to be the accounting acquirer of Maersk Drilling in accordance with the guidance of ASC 805.

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Purchase Price Consideration

The following table presents the calculation of preliminary purchase price consideration based on an average of the closing price per share of Noble Shares on the NYSE for the seven trailing days ended on March 18, 2022, which is used as a proxy for the market price of the Noble Shares at the closing of the Business Combination. This calculation assumes no cash consideration is elected (table below in thousands, except ratios and per share price):

The purchase price consideration calculated above and applied in the Pro Forma Financial Information is preliminary and subject to modification based on the final purchase price, which includes any changes to the value of Noble’s Shares and the number of vested Maersk Drilling RSU Awards at the closing of the Business Combination. The final value of Noble’s consideration transferred will be determined based on the actual number of Noble Shares issued, the number of Maersk Drilling Shares outstanding at the closing of the Business Combination, and the market price of the Noble Shares at the closing of the Business Combination. This will likely result in a difference from the preliminary purchase consideration calculated above and that difference may be material. For example, with other assumptions held constant, an increase or decrease of 10% in the price per Noble Shares would increase or decrease the fair value of the preliminary purchase price by $207.2 million. However, a change in the closing share price does not change the number of Topco Shares issued in connection with the Business Combination or the number of underlying Topco Shares issued as replacement for the Maersk Drilling RSU Awards to be granted. The election of cash consideration does not change the purchase price consideration.

Allocation of Purchase Price Consideration to Asset Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

The allocation of the consideration, including any related tax effects, is preliminary and pending finalization of various estimates, inputs and analyses used in the valuation assessment of the specifically identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired. Since the Pro Forma Financial Information has been prepared by Noble based on preliminary estimates of consideration and fair values attributable to the Business Combination, the actual amounts eventually recorded in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting may differ materially from the information presented.

ASC 805 requires, among other things, that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Any consideration transferred or paid in a business combination in excess of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed should be recognized as goodwill. Noble’s management’s estimate as of the date of this prospectus is that the fair value of the net assets and liabilities acquired is less than the purchase price. The excess amount not allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities was recognized as goodwill on the pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2021. This preliminary determination is subject to further assessment and adjustments by Noble pending additional information sharing between the parties, more detailed third-party appraisals, and other potential adjustments.

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In October 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2021-08”). Upon the adoption of this update, contract assets and contract liabilities (i.e., deferred revenue) acquired in a business combination will be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) as if the acquirer had originated the contracts, which would generally result in an acquirer recognizing and measuring acquired contract assets and contract liabilities consistent with how they were recognized and measured in the acquiree’s financial statements. Noble adopted ASU 2021-08 on January 1, 2022, prior to the consummation of the Business Combination. Therefore, Maersk Drilling’s historical deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2021 has been included in the preliminary purchase price allocation in accordance with ASU 2021-08 based on a preliminary assessment of the ASC 606 polices of Noble and Maersk Drilling made by Noble.

The preliminary allocation of the purchase price consideration is as follows:

Minimum Acceptance Condition

In accordance with the Business Combination Agreement, the Minimum Acceptance Condition, where Topco acquires at least 80% of the then outstanding Maersk Drilling Shares and voting rights of Maersk Drilling (which percentage may be lowered by Topco in its sole discretion to not less than 70%), needs to be met in order to consummate the Business Combination. If more than 90% of the issued and outstanding Maersk Drilling Shares are acquired by Topco, Topco will redeem any Maersk Drilling Shares not exchanged in the Offer by Topco for, at the election of the holder, either Topco Shares or cash (or, for those holders that do not make an election, only cash), under the Compulsory Purchase. Accordingly, upon the consummation of the Business Combination, Topco may own 70% to 90%, or 100%, of the outstanding Maersk Drilling Shares and voting rights of Maersk Drilling.

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The Pro Forma Financial Information presented above assumes that Topco acquires 100% of the outstanding Maersk Drilling Shares and voting rights of Maersk Drilling at closing of the Business Combination. If only 70% or 90% of such shares and voting rights are acquired, Topco would recognize $0.6 billion or $0.2 billion, respectively, in noncontrolling interest on the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 with a corresponding reduction to additional paid in capital. The table below provides an analysis of the impact on the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations if only 70% or 90% of the outstanding Maersk Drilling Shares and voting rights of Maersk Drilling are acquired by Topco:

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Note 3. Business Combination Transaction Accounting Adjustments

The Business Combination transaction adjustments below are prepared based on the purchase price assumptions presented in Note 2, Business Combination with Maersk Drilling Merger and Estimated Purchase Consideration, and the assumption that Maersk Drilling shareholders will not opt for the cash consideration of up to $1,000 for each individual shareholder and $50.0 million in aggregate. The election of the cash consideration will impact the Pro Forma Financial Information as it relates to weighted average shares, loss per share, cash and equity. Such impact is further discussed in the relevant pro forma footnotes below.

Condensed Combined Statement of Operations

(AA) Depreciation and amortization

Reflects the removal of historical depreciation expense and the recording of the pro forma depreciation expense based on the estimated fair value of Maersk Drilling’s property and equipment upon the Business Combination. For pro forma purposes it is assumed that the Business Combination occurred on January 1, 2021. The pro forma adjustment to depreciation expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 was calculated as follows:

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Drilling equipment and facilities are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as of the date placed in service or date of major refurbishment. Estimated useful lives of the acquired drilling equipment range from three to thirty years. Maersk Drilling’s other property and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over useful lives ranging from two to forty years.

(BB) Merger and integration costs

Reflects the recognition of the following items in the pro forma statement of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021:

(i) the incremental estimated transaction costs to be incurred directly in connection with the Business Combination, consisting primarily of legal and professional fees. Approximately $21.5 million and $22.2 million of estimated transaction costs are expected to be incurred subsequent to December 31, 2021 by Noble and Maersk Drilling, respectively, and such costs are reflected in the pro forma statement of operations. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, $9.7 million and $5.5 million of transaction costs were incurred by Noble and Maersk Drilling, respectively. The costs above are not expected to recur any period beyond twelve months from the close of the Business Combination;

(ii) stock-based compensation expense of $1.8 million due to the accelerated vesting of cash and equity settled Noble RSU Awards held by Noble’s non-employee directors in connection with the Business Combination. This cost is non-recurring and is not expected to have a continuing impact on the combined company’s operating results in future periods; and

(iii) estimated expense of $5.2 million related to the cash-based bonus expected to be paid to executive officers and certain other employees of Maersk Drilling upon completion of the Business Combination. This estimate is preliminary and subject to change based on statutory and other legal contingency matters. This cost is non-recurring and is not expected to have a continuing impact on the combined company’s operating results in future periods.

(CC) Weighted average shares outstanding and income per share

As the Business Combination is being reflected as if it had occurred at the beginning of the period presented, the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net income per share assumes that the shares issuable relating to the Business Combination have been outstanding for the entire period presented.

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The table below presents the components of the numerator and denominator for the pro forma income per share calculation for the periods presented:

The pro forma income per share calculation above assumed that Maersk Drilling shareholders will not opt for the cash consideration of up to $1,000 for each individual shareholder and $50.0 million in aggregate. If the maximum cash consideration is elected, the basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding are estimated to be 131,713 and 136,629 and the basic and diluted pro forma income per share are estimated to be $2.68 and $2.58, respectively, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. Such estimates are based on the same share price assumption used in estimating the preliminary purchase price consideration discussed in Note 2, Business Combination with Maersk Drilling and Estimated Purchase Consideration.

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(DD) Interest expense

Reflects the elimination of Maersk Drilling’s historical amortization of deferred financing costs as a result of the elimination of deferred financing costs upon applying purchase accounting. No amortization of deferred financing costs would have been recorded during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 had the Business Combination occurred on January 1, 2021.

(EE) Taxes

Reflects the pro forma adjustments to penalties and interest for tax contingencies booked as income tax benefit (provision) or contract drilling services expense as a result of the Business Combination. The income tax benefit (provision) impact was calculated by applying the appropriate statutory tax rates of the respective tax jurisdictions to which the pro forma adjustments relate.

Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

(FF) Cash and cash equivalents

Adjustment reflects (i) the payment of estimated transaction costs of $43.8 million for legal, professional and success fees incurred subsequent to December 31, 2021 by Noble and Maersk Drilling related to the Business Combination, (ii) the payment of total accrued transaction costs of $8.0 million as of December 31, 2021 for legal, professional and success fees incurred by Noble and Maersk Drilling in connection with the Business Combination, (iii) the payment of $0.9 million to Noble’s non-employee directors due to the accelerated vesting of cash settled Noble RSU Awards in connection with the Business Combination, and (iv) the payment of $7.3 million related to the cash-based bonus expected to be paid to executive officers and certain other employees of Maersk Drilling upon completion of the Business Combination. This adjustment does not reflect the election of any cash consideration. If the Maersk Drilling shareholders opt for the maximum cash consideration of $50.0 million in lieu of Topco Shares, the pro forma cash balance would be $635.3 million as of December 31, 2021.

(GG) Deferred costs

Represents the elimination of Maersk Drilling’s balances related to deferred costs on drilling contracts for items such as mobilization and precontract costs as a result of applying purchase accounting on a pro forma basis. These deferred costs are written off as there are no further performance obligations related to these costs.

(HH) Goodwill

Reflects goodwill due to the purchase price being greater than the fair value of the net assets and liabilities acquired. See Note 2, Business Combination with Maersk Drilling Merger and Estimated Purchase Consideration—Allocation of Purchase Price Consideration to Asset Acquired and Liabilities Assumed.

(II) Property and equipment, net

Represents the preliminary fair value adjustment to Property and equipment to reduce the pro forma adjusted historical net book value, on a U.S. GAAP basis, of Maersk Drilling’s floaters, jackup rigs and related equipment to fair value.

(JJ) Taxes

Reflects the pro forma adjustments to tax contingencies and income tax related accounts on the balance sheet as a result of the Business Combination.

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(KK) Accounts payable

Adjustment reflects (i) the payment of accrued cash-based bonuses of $2.1 million expected to be paid to executive officers and certain other employees of Maersk Drilling upon completion of the Business Combination, and (ii) the payment of total accrued transaction costs of $8.0 million as of December 31, 2021 for legal, professional and success fees incurred by Noble and Maersk Drilling in connection with the Business Combination.

(LL) Long-term debt

Represents the elimination of Maersk Drilling’s unamortized deferred financing costs as a result of applying purchase accounting on a pro forma basis.

(MM) Equity

The following adjustments were made to equity captions based on the Business Combination transaction:

These adjustments do not reflect the election of any cash consideration. If the Maersk Drilling shareholders opt for the maximum cash consideration of $50.0 million in lieu of Topco Shares, the pro forma equity balance would be $3,472.6 million as of December 31, 2021.

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Note 4. Reclassification of Maersk Drilling’s Historical Financial Statement Presentation

The following reclassifications were made as a result of the Business Combination to conform Maersk Drilling’s historical financial information to Noble’s presentation:

Statement of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2021

(in thousands)

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Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2021

(in thousands)