BY Fraser Tennant
In the largest merger of two Canadian companies in history, multinational energy holding company Emera is to acquire its rival Canadian Utilities in an all-stock transaction valued at C$14.3bn.
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Emera will acquire all the issued and outstanding shares of Canadian Utilities and the ATCO Group, which owns a controlling stake in Canadian Utilities.
Operating as Emera, the combined company will have greater financial strength, broader capabilities and enhanced investment capacity to support expected growing energy and infrastructure needs across its operations.
This increased scale will position the company to support a range of capital-intensive priorities, electrification projects, major natural gas and electric transmission investments, large load customers, export infrastructure and other large-scale energy infrastructure projects.
“This merger creates a Canadian utility and energy infrastructure powerhouse with the scale, financial capacity and expertise to invest in the systems our customers will rely on for decades,” said Scott Balfour, president and chief executive of Emera. “As demand rises from electrification trends and major infrastructure development, the combined company will be better positioned to help meet growing energy needs and power Canada’s growth ambitions.”
The combination of Emera, with approximately 70 percent of earnings from operations in Florida, and Canadian Utilities with approximately 80 percent from operations in Alberta, creates a company with approximately 95 percent of earnings from regulated utilities, and approximately 80 percent of earnings generated in Florida and Alberta, two of the highest growth jurisdictions in North America.
“Together, these companies are expected to be better equipped to pursue opportunities created by economic growth, infrastructure expansion and increasing focus on security and resilience, creating long-term value for shareowners and Canadians alike,” added said Nancy Southern, chair and chief executive of ATCO.
Completion of the transaction – which is expected in the third or fourth quarter of 2027 – is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including applicable shareholder, court and regulatory approvals.
Bob Myles, chief executive of Canadian Utilities Limited, concluded: “This merger will result a stronger, more resilient company - one that is better positioned to pursue new opportunities, support our people and communities, and deliver long-term value for shareholders.”
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