Aker BP ASA engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas. The company is headquartered in Lysaker, Akershus and currently employs 2,818 full-time employees. The company went IPO on 2009-12-23. Aker BP is the operator of six field centres: Alvheim, Ivar Aasen, Skarv, Edvard Grieg, Ula and Valhall, as well as co-owner of Johan Sverdrup. The firm conducts its entire business in one consistent segment, defined as exploration for and production of petroleum in Norway. Aker BP suppliers are mostly based in Norway or in Europe and are generally contracted for high-technology services such as engineering, equipment and drilling and well services, or leasing of rigs and marine services. The Company’s exploration strategy is focused on two main goals. Aker BP aims to discover commercial resources near existing infrastructure as well as o discover resources that are big enough for new stand-alone field developments.