OAKVILLE, ON, June 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. ("APUC") (TSX: AQN) is pleased to announce that Liberty Utilities, APUC's regulated distribution utility, has received all federal and state regulatory approvals required to complete its acquisition of the regulated natural gas distribution utility assets located in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. The acquisition was originally announced in May 2011.
The regulated natural gas distribution utilities provide natural gas service to approximately 84,000 customers, with 57,000 in Missouri, 23,000 in Illinois and 4,000 customers in Iowa.
Closing of the acquisition is expected to occur on or about August 1, 2012. Total consideration for the transaction, originally estimated at U.S. $124 million, represents a multiple of regulatory assets of 1.106x. The final purchase price is subject to closing adjustments including final determination of net regulatory assets acquired on the date of closing.
APUC plans to finance the transaction in part with $45 million in proceeds from subscription receipts previously committed to by Emera Inc., and from a portion of the proceeds from a U.S. $225 millionprivate placement debt financing previously announced by Liberty Utilities on May 30, 2012.
"The acquisition of these well maintained, high quality utility assets is another step towards our goal of expanding our presence in the North American regulated utilities market," commented Ian Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of APUC. "Missouri and Illinois are States with which we are familiar, through our existing utility businesses, and this transaction provides an opportunity for Liberty Utilities to expand the delivery of high quality, local and responsive service while creating synergies with its existing utilities."
About Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
Through its distinct operating subsidiaries, APUC owns and operates a
diversified portfolio of $1.2 billion of clean renewable electric
generation and sustainable utility distribution businesses in North
America. Liberty Utilities Co., APUC's regulated distribution utility
business, provides regulated water and electric utility services to
more than 120,000 customers with a portfolio of 22 water and electric
utility systems. Pursuant to previously announced agreements, Liberty
Utilities Co. is committed to acquiring Granite State Electric Company,
a New Hampshire electric distribution company, EnergyNorth Natural Gas
Inc., a regulated natural gas distribution utility and certain
regulated natural gas distribution assets in Missouri, Illinois and
Iowa, which together serve approximately 213,000 customers. AlgonquinPower Co. (APCo), APUC's electric generation subsidiary, includes 42
renewable energy facilities and 12 thermal energy facilities
representing more than 460 MW of installed capacity. APCo will be
expanding its wind generating footprint into the United States pursuant
to a previously announced agreement to acquire 245 MW of wind
generating facilities across four States. APUC and its operating
subsidiaries deliver continuing growth through an expanding pipeline of
greenfield and expansion renewable power and clean energy projects,
organic growth within its regulated utilities and the pursuit of
accretive acquisition opportunities. APUC's common shares and
convertible debentures are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under
the symbols AQN and AQN.DB.B. Visit Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
at www.AlgonquinPowerandUtilities.com.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements included in this news release contain information
that is forward-looking within the meaning of certain securities laws,
including information and statements regarding prospective results of
operations, financial position or cash flows. These statements are
based on factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a
conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including assumptions
based on historical trends, current conditions and expected future
developments. Since forward-looking statements relate to future events
and conditions, by their very nature they require making assumptions
and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. APUC cautions that
although it is believed that the assumptions are reasonable in the
circumstances, these risks and uncertainties give rise to the
possibility that actual results may differ materially from the
expectations set out in the forward-looking statements. Material risk
factors include those set out in the management's discussion and
analysis section of APUC's most recent annual report and quarterly
report, and APUC's Annual Information Form. Given these risks, undue
reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements,
which apply only as of their dates. Other than as specifically required
by law, APUC undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking
statements or information to reflect new information, subsequent or
otherwise.
SOURCE Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
