The GDF SUEZ acquisition of International Power’s 30% minority shareholding was approved by more than 99% (by value) of minority shareholders voting at International Power’s Shareholders’ Meeting on 7 June 2012. Following the unanimous approval of the independent non-executive board members of International Power on 15 April, this vote marks a decisive step in the transaction, which is expected to be concluded on 29 June 2012.
Acquisition of 100% of the shares of International Power will complete the combination of the international assets of GDF SUEZ and International Power begun in February 2011 with the Group’s acquisition of a 70% controlling interest in International Power. This transaction constitutes a major strategic milestone for GDF SUEZ, enabling it to take full control of a unique development platform in high growth countries where it seeks in the future to increase its current development capex from 30% to 40%-50%.
The transaction will also enable the Group to take full advantage of the synergies generated by the combination of GDF SUEZ and International Power in 2011.
This operation will be financed in a balanced manner through shareholders’ equity, thanks in particular to the choice made by 77% of GDF SUEZ shareholders to receive the balance of their 2011 dividend in shares, and through the Group’s financial flexibility, as illustrated by the recent successful bond issue, together with a new €3 billion program of asset disposals.
Gérard Mestrallet, Chairman and CEO of GDF SUEZ commented: “I am pleased with the vote of International Power shareholders which supports this strategic, industrial transaction. It will give GDF SUEZ the means for a more integrated expansion of activities and enables us to have an exceptional development platform in high growth regions, such as South America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where the demand for energy is very strong.”
Important notice
The figures presented here are those customarily used and communicated to the markets by GDF SUEZ. This message includes forward-looking information and statements. Such statements include financial projections and estimates, the assumptions on which they are based, as well as statements about projects, objectives and expectations regarding future operations, profits, or services, or future performance. Although GDF SUEZ management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and GDF SUEZ shareholders should be aware that such forward-looking information and statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties that are generally difficult to predict and beyond the control of GDF SUEZ, and may cause results and developments to differ significantly from those expressed, implied or predicted in the forward-looking statements or information. Such risks include those explained or identified in the public documents filed by GDF SUEZ with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF), including those listed in the “Risk Factors” section of the GDF SUEZ reference document filed with the AMF on March 23, 2012 (under number D.12-0197). Investors and GDF SUEZ shareholders should note that if some or all of these risks are realized they may have a significant unfavorable impact on GDF SUEZ.