Houston, Aug. 23, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Elk Energy, an independent oil and gas company, announced today that it has been ranked number 127 on Inc. Magazine's 2012 Inc. 500|5000 list. This award is for the nation's brightest, most successful, fastest-growing privately held companies. In addition to being listed number 127 overall out of 5,000, Black Elk Energy also ranked number 8 in the Energy industry and 2 in Houston. The company has reached a three year sales growth of 2,510%.

"We are thrilled to be included in this year's Inc. 500|5000 ranking", says John Hoffman, President and CEO of Black Elk Energy. "It is an honor to be included on such a prestigious list amongst other successful entrepreneurs. When we first launched the company there was a handful of us and I'm proud to see how far we've come to now have over 100 employees who all made this possible. We look forward to what the future holds at Black Elk Energy."       

Methodology

The 2012 Inc. 500|5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2008 to 2011. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2008. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent - not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies - as of December 31, 2011. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2008 is $100,000; the minimum for 2011 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.'s September issue.

About Black Elk Energy

Black Elk Energy, LLC is an independent oil and gas company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Black Elk Energy's seasoned industry executives have extensive exploitation experience and knowledge with a unique demonstrated track record of increasing reserves and production while lowering costs. Our Team of professionals is dedicated to performing to the highest industry standards, operating within and beyond the requirements of the government, and maintaining its stance as a good corporate citizen. 

ABOUT INC.

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 6,000,000 today. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

ABOUT THE INC. 500|5000 CONFERENCE

Each year, Inc. and Inc.com celebrate the remarkable achievements of today's entrepreneurial superstars - the privately held small businesses that drive our economy. The Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony brings together members of the Inc. community, both a new class of Inc. 500|5000 honorees and the list's alumni, for three days of powerful networking, inspired learning, and momentous celebration. Please join us October 3-5, 2012, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information about the 2012 Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony and to register, visit www.inc500conference.com or call 866-901-3205.