Germany kicked off the sales process for bailed-out energy firm Uniper on Tuesday, paving the way for what could become one of Europe’s biggest deals this year.
Berlin had to nationalise Uniper during Europe’s 2022 energy crisis for a total of 13.5 billion euros ($15.7 billion) in order to save it from collapse after its former main supplier of gas, Gazprom, stopped deliveries.
Suitors have until June 12, 1200 CET (1000 GMT), to submit a letter of intent to JPMorgan and UBS, the government said in an official note placed in the Financial Times, adding that a sale or a listing were being considered for the 99.12% stake it holds in Uniper.
Two people familiar with the matter told Reuters last month that the process, which will likely result in an outright sale or initial public offering of the company, could be started via an official tender note before the summer.
“We are now more stable, more resilient and more clearly positioned strategically. We have consistently aligned our business towards reliable earnings and have a strong balance sheet,” Uniper CEO Michael Lewis said in a statement.
“This means that we are not only once again in a position to pay dividends, but can also invest in growth and transformation in a targeted manner – guided by a clear strategy for sustainable value creation and security of supply.”
Lewis said the scope, form and timing of the reprivatisation would be decided by the government.
Sources told Reuters previously that New York-based Brookfield, Daniel Kretinsky’s EPH, Norway’s Equinor and Abu Dhabi’s Taqa were among the parties interested in Uniper.
Under European Union requirements, Berlin must reduce its Uniper stake to a maximum of 25% plus one share by the end of 2028.
Source: Reuters.com