North American wind project developer Pattern Energy Group and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement, pursuant to which CPPIB will acquire Pattern Energy in an all-cash transaction for $26.75 per share, implying an enterprise value of approximately $6.1 billion, including net debt.
CPPIB and Riverstone Holdings have concurrently entered into an agreement pursuant to which, at or following the completion of the proposed acquisition of Pattern Energy by CPPIB, CPPIB and Riverstone will combine Pattern Energy and Pattern Energy Group Holdings 2 LP under common ownership, bringing together the operating assets of Pattern Energy with the development projects and capabilities of Pattern Development.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Pattern Energy shareholders will receive $26.75 in cash consideration for each share of Pattern Energy, representing a premium of approximately 14.8% to Pattern Energy’s closing share price on August 9, 2019, the last trading day prior to market rumors regarding a potential acquisition of the company. The consideration also represents a 15.1% premium to the 30-day volume weighted average price prior to that date.
The Pattern Energy management team, led by Mike Garland, will lead the combined enterprise.
“This agreement with CPPIB and Riverstone provides certain and significant value for Pattern Energy shareholders with an all cash transaction at a very attractive stock price,” said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy. “Over the years, Pattern Energy has been able to provide shareholders with a consistent dividend and now our shareholders can realize the value embedded in the Company. We believe the proposed transaction reflects the strength of the platform we have built.”
“Pattern Energy is one of the most experienced renewables developers in North America and Japan with a high-quality, diversified portfolio of contracted operating assets, aligning well with CPPIB’s renewable energy investment strategy and the increasing global demand for low-carbon energy,” said Bruce Hogg, Managing Director, Head of Power and Renewables, CPPIB. “The Pattern Energy management team has a proven track record of identifying and executing development strategies with differentiated competitive advantages. We look forward to working with Pattern Energy and Riverstone to grow the company.”
The transaction is expected to close by the second quarter of 2020, subject to Pattern Energy shareholder approval, receipt of the required regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions. The Pattern Energy transaction is not contingent upon the completion of the Pattern Development transaction. Upon the completion of the transaction, Pattern Energy will become a privately held company and shares of Pattern Energy’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public market. Pattern Energy will continue paying its quarterly dividend through the transaction close.
Evercore and Goldman, Sachs & Co. are acting as independent financial advisors to Pattern Energy’s special committee, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is serving as independent legal counsel to the special committee.
News item from Pattern
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