Blitz 21-823 AG (in future: Elbe BidCo AG, BidCo), a holding company controlled by investment funds, vehicles and accounts advised and managed by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. and its affiliates (collectively, “KKR”) has signed an Investment Agreement with Encavis AG (Encavis), a leading and proven German renewable energy platform and independent power producer (IPP).
As part of the transaction, BidCo will launch a voluntary public takeover offer for all outstanding free float shares of the Company. Viessmann Group GmbH & Co. KG (Viessmann) will invest as shareholder in a KKR-led consortium. ABACON CAPITAL (ABACON) and other shareholders have signed binding agreements to sell ca. 18% and roll-over ca. 13% of Encavis shares and are fully supportive of the takeover offer.
Encavis AG operates a portfolio of more than 190 solar photovoltaic (“PV”) and more than 40 onshore wind farms with a current operating capacity of around 2.2 GW across 10 European countries. Encavis has long-term power purchase agreements with various high-quality counterparties in place in addition to a multi-year project pipeline. The well-managed diversified asset base together with the ability to be a fully integrated local pan-European partner, positions Encavis as a strong independent player in key markets such as Germany, Spain, Denmark, Italy, and France. Furthermore, the Company demonstrates a proven capability across the entire value chain, construction, financing, operation and in-house maintenance. With KKR’s and Viessmann’s support, Encavis is poised for an accelerated growth across all these segments, according to the statement.
“Unlocking the full potential of renewable energy requires expertise as well as substantial long-term capital. We are pleased that KKR’s strategic investment will provide Encavis with the necessary long-term financial resources at a pivotal time for the Company and position it to seize emerging opportunities and solidify its strength in the clean energy landscape. Furthermore, it also contributes to fostering a more energy-independent Europe,” said Vincent Policard, Partner and Co-Head of European Infrastructure at KKR.
Max Viessmann, CEO of Viessmann: “The collaboration with KKR and our investment in Encavis are important steps in our commitment to expanding our entrepreneurial activities and our responsibility for the future of our planet. With a clear focus on our purpose, we are reinvesting the proceeds from the transatlantic partnership of our climate solutions business with Carrier Global into our family business in order to expand our ecosystem of co-creators who share the same responsibility: Maximizing the positive impact for generations to come.”
Dr Christoph Husmann, Spokesman of the Management Board and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Encavis said: “Over the past years, Encavis has grown into one of the leading independent power producers in Europe and has strong ambitions to further continue on this growth path. With KKR and Viessmann, we aim to bring partners on board who share the same long-term and entrepreneurial approach and extensive experience of investing behind the energy transition. We are convinced that with the additional financial and strategic support, we will be able to leverage our assets and competences and take our business to the next level to compete with the largest European players.”
“We are convinced that Encavis has great potential. We want to increase and accelerate its realization. This requires strong partners – and we have now found them. The group of investors led by ABACON therefore supports KKR’s offer and welcomes KKR and Viessmann’s entry. We remain invested in Encavis and look forward to working actively together in the future,” said Tobias Krauss, CEO ABACON CAPITAL.
The strategic partnership between KKR, Viessmann, ABACON and Encavis not only positions Encavis as a leading German player in the energy transition, but also supports the broader renewable energy transition across Europe. Encavis is well positioned to benefit from ambitious national and international plans for solar and wind expansion. Additional financial support from KKR and Viessmann will enable the Company to capitalise on promising growth opportunities in the sector. The strategic partnership will further enable Encavis to bolster its project development pipeline, increase capacity and facilitate expansion into new markets. In addition, KKR, Viessmann and ABACON fully support the current growth strategy of the management team.
Following its first investment in the DACH region in the late 1990s, KKR has expanded its local footprint and has had an office in Frankfurt since 2018. In total, KKR has already invested over EUR 15 billion in long-term equity in over 30 companies in the region across various alternative asset classes. Across the DACH region, KKR has an exceptional track record of developing global market leaders, primarily through strategic partnership deals such as in Vantage Towers, GfK, Körber Supply Chain Software, Scout24 Switzerland and Wella Company.
As part of the strategic partnership, BidCo will launch a voluntary public takeover offer to the shareholders of Encavis. Encavis shareholders will be offered EUR 17.50 per share in cash. Encavis shareholders will benefit from a 33% premium to the undisturbed 3-month volume-weighted average share price as of 5 March 2024 and a 54% premium to the closing price of EUR 11.35 per share on 5 March 2024, i.e. the last close prior to the ad hoc announcement from Encavis confirming talks on a potential transaction with KKR.
As part of the transaction, BidCo and Encavis have entered into an Investment Agreement in which Encavis agreed to support the takeover offer. Subject to their review of the offer document, the Management Board and Supervisory Board of Encavis support the offer and intend to recommend that Encavis shareholders accept the offer. The current Management Board members of Encavis will continue to lead the Company.
KKR does not require a domination and profit and loss transfer agreement (“DPLTA”) to finance the takeover offer or to realise the strategic and economic objectives and hence has undertaken not to enter into a DPLTA with Encavis for at least two years. In the Investment Agreement, BidCo has agreed with Encavis not to pursue a DPLTA for at least a two-year-period.
Post-settlement, BidCo intends to delist Encavis from the stock exchange as soon as practically possible after closing. Under private ownership, Encavis would be able to benefit from financial flexibility and a long-term commitment of KKR and Viessmann, allowing it to capitalise on attractive growth opportunities even better.
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