VQ Venoco, Inc.

Venoco, Inc. (NYSE: VQ) announced that based on the recommendation of a special committee of independent directors, the board of directors of Venoco has agreed to extend to July 20, 2012, the date by which committed financing to complete the previously announced merger between Venoco and an affiliate of Timothy M. Marquez, Venoco's chairman and CEO, must be obtained. On June 5, 2012, the merger was approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of Venoco common stock and a majority of the common stock not owned by Mr. Marquez, his affiliates, and by directors, officers and employees of Venoco or its subsidiaries. Completion of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including a financing condition and other customary conditions.

"The Merger Agreement contemplates that it might be necessary to provide Mr. Marquez some additional time to secure financing," stated Rick Walker, chairman of the special committee of the board of directors, "and allows for an extension of the financing deadline if the committee believes an extension is reasonable under the circumstances. In light of the June 5, 2012, approval of the transaction by the majority of the company's public shareholders as well as the significant progress that has been made toward obtaining the necessary financing, including a signed term sheet regarding potential financing to be obtained by Mr. Marquez, the special committee concluded that an extension until July 20, 2012, was appropriate."

About the Company

Venoco is an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploitation and development of oil and natural gas properties primarily in California. Venoco operates three offshore platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel, has non-operated interests in three other platforms, operates three onshore properties in Southern California, and has extensive operations in Northern California's Sacramento Basin.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release except statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and these statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. The closing of the merger agreement with Mr. Marquez and his affiliates is subject to a number of conditions, including a financing condition, and those conditions may not be satisfied. The term sheet referred to above is not a binding commitment on the part of the potential source of financing. The financing contemplated by the term sheet would be in addition to certain financing arrangements to be entered into by the company, and these arrangements may not be finalized or closed. All forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof and the company undertakes no obligation to update any such statement. Further information on risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations and financial performance, and the forward-looking statements made herein, is available in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein.

For further information, please contact: Mike Edwards Vice President (303) 626-8320 http://www.venocoinc.com E-Mail Email Contact