Following the transaction, CONSOL Energy will maintain its strong balance sheet and liquidity position. The transaction is expected to close by April 30, 2010, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. BofA Merrill Lynch acted as lead financial advisor to CONSOL Energy and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP acted as legal counsel. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated also acted as financial advisor and provided a fairness opinion to CONSOL Energy's Board of Directors. BofA Merrill Lynch and PNC Bank have provided financing commitments to complete the acquisition. On the coal side of its business, CONSOL Energy continues to enjoy some of the highest operating margins in the industry.