ITEM 7.01 REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE

Atwood Oceanics, Inc. (the "Company") announced today that during a meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, with analysts, John R. Irwin, the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company was advised of a rumor in the market that the Company was the target in a potential merger or acquisition situation, as well as unusual activity in the market for the Company's common stock. Mr. Irwin subsequently advised the analysts, and others making inquiry of James M. Holland, Senior Vice President of the Company, were advised that, to their knowledge and to date, the rumor was unfounded. The Company is otherwise unaware of any corporate activities that would account for unusual market activity for the Company's common stock.

In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K is being furnished and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, and such information shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act unless specifically stated.

Statements contained in this report with respect to the future are forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's reasonable judgment with respect to future events. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated as a result of various factors including; the Company's dependence on the oil and gas industry; the risks involved the construction of a rig; competition; operating risks; risks involved in foreign operations; risks associated with possible disruption in operations due to terrorism; risks associated with a possible disruption in operations due to a war with Iraq; and governmental regulations and environmental matters. A list of additional risk factors can be found in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.