The media and mining equipment specialist commented on the legal action ahead as part of its annual results yesterday.

Interestingly, the acreage was bought on June 27 with the Apache lawsuit against its US subsidiary arriving days later.

"Subsequent to June 30, 2014, Apache Corporation, the operator of the oil and gas assets initiated legal action against the vendor and Seven Network United States for alleged breaches of contract (by the vendor) and tortious interference (by Seven News US)," Seven Group Holdings said yesterday.

"The Group believes the action to be without merit and is defending its position."

A report by US-based news service Law360 said Apache was seeking damages from Seven Group Holdings over claims it "wilfully and intentionally interfered" with Apache's pre-emptive rights to acquire the Bivins Ranch stake at a higher price of $US65 million.

Seven Group Holding's first attempt to expand into the petroleum arena this year was its failed 2c per share cash offer to acquire explorer Nexus Energy.

However, Seven Group Holdings has $129 million of Nexus' debt securities and could still end up capturing its assets.

"Having failed to execute a scheme of arrangement with Nexus, Seven intends to acquire the assets of Nexus through that company's administration process," Goldman Sachs said in its buy-rating report on Seven Group Holdings.

"The timing/completion of the Nexus transaction is still unclear, but Seven has flagged the total capital investment would likely be around $A400 million."

Goldman said the Bivins Ranch portfolio covers 200 square miles and has 29 producing oil wells.

Seven Group Holdings is 68% owned by billionaire Kerry Stokes and led by former Woodside chief Don Voelte.

ENP is seeking Apache lawsuit-related comment from Seven Group Holdings.