VQ Venoco, Inc.

Venoco, Inc. (NYSE: VQ) announced today that, based on the recommendation of the special committee of independent directors, the board of directors of Venoco has agreed to extend to 5 p.m. Eastern Time on October 5, 2012 the date by which committed financing must be obtained for the merger contemplated by the merger agreement among Venoco, Timothy Marquez, Denver Parent Corporation and another affiliate of Mr. Marquez (the "Merger Agreement"). The End Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement) was extended to 5 p.m. Eastern Time on October 8, 2012.

The merger was previously approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of Venoco common stock and a majority of the votes 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.

Mr. Marquez explained the reason for requesting the extension, "We are aware of the concerns that certain of our stakeholders have expressed regarding our previously announced financing package. Rather than burden the process with the delays that could arise out of those concerns, we have made adjustments to our financing plans that we believe are executable in a reasonable timeframe and will be beneficial to Venoco shareholders while appropriately accommodating the interests of other stakeholders."

Rick Walker, chairman of the special committee of the board of directors, stated, "Mr. Marquez continues to demonstrate both his desire and ability to finance and close this transaction, but the committee understands the need for additional time to adjust his financing plans to accommodate all stakeholders. The special committee concluded it was reasonable under the circumstances to extend the Financing Date to 5 p.m. Eastern Time on October 5, 2012 and the End Date to 5 p.m. Eastern Time on October 8, 2012."

Neither Venoco nor Denver Parent Corporation has entered into definitive agreements with respect to any aspect of the financing. Completion of the financing is subject to finalization of terms, negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, other customary conditions, including satisfactory completion of due diligence by financing sources, and, any necessary approvals by the independent members of Venoco's Board of Directors. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that all or any part of the financing or the merger will be completed within the expected time period, on the terms contemplated or at all.

A DPC presentation with updated details about its financing plan has been posted on Venoco's website, www.venocoinc.com, on the Investor Relations page under the Webcasts & Presentations heading.

About the Company

Venoco is an independent energy company primarily 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 several 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, and those conditions may not be satisfied. 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