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Italgas signs $5.8 bln deal to buy smaller competing 2i Rete Gas

Italy's most significant gas distributor Italgas stated on Saturday it had actually accepted purchase smaller rival 2i Rete Gas in a 5.3 billion euro ($ 5.8 billion) offer, consisting of financial obligation.

A merger would mark a major step in the debt consolidation of Italy's gas distribution sector and also create a leading gamer in Europe, Italgas CEO Paolo Gallo stated in a declaration.

The equity worth of the transaction is 2.06 billion euros, while 2i Rete Gas' net financial debt and other net liabilities at the end of 2023 totaled up to 3.246 billion euros, Italgas said.

The gas supplier will cover the expense of the deal via a. bridge financing at first financed by JP Morgan and. syndicated to a group of banks consisting of Banco BPM, BofA. Securities, Citi, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley and Société. Générale.

It will then launch a 1 billion euro rights concern to. refinance the swing loan with the objective of keeping its. existing credit score profile.

Italian facilities fund F2i has a 64% stake in 2i Rete. Gas. Dutch pension fund APG and buyout group Ardian together. hold the remaining 36.1% under the automobile Finavias.

Closing of the deal is expected in the very first half of. 2025, subject to regulative approvals.

Gas circulation is a regulated service in Italy with the. nation's energy authority accountable for setting fees on the. fuel transportation and rois needed to update the. network.

JP Morgan served as monetary adviser for Italgas, Legance. functioned as legal consultant, and Foglia and Partners was accountable. for tax matters. Rothschild supported Finavias on the offer.

JP Morgan, BofA Securities and Jefferies have actually offered a. fairness opinion to Italgas' board relating to the deal.

(source: Reuters)