The divestment of selected Romanian assets is part of CEZ Group´s new strategy to divest chosen assets in certain countries. By selling Romanian assets, ČEZ will increase its debt capacity and will be able to channel resources into investments in line with the current strategy, which is focused on decarbonizing the production portfolio, developing renewable energy and providing modern energy services in the Czech Republic and across Europe.
The sale of ČEZ assets in Romania to funds managed by MIRA was approved by ČEZ Group’s bodies just 13 months after the transaction process’ kick-off. ČEZ Group and MIRA have reached an agreement on the sale of all three business segments that were included in the transaction: electricity distribution, energy supply and an operational renewable energy portfolio. ČEZ Group remains active in Romania, focusing on its trading (CEZ Trade Romania) and energy services business (High-Tech Clima). Société Générale (together with its group companies Komerční banka and BRD – Groupe Société Générale) acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to the ČEZ Group on the sale.
ČEZ experienced strong interest for its assets. Despite the difficult environment caused by COVID-19, ČEZ and Société Générale maintained a high level of competition in the transaction. MIRA submitted the most attractive offer, which was confirmed by independent valuation reports. The transaction needs to be approved by the European Directorate-General for Competition and the Romanian Supreme Council of National Defence (Consiliul Suprem de Apărare a Ţării, CSAT).
MIRA is the world’s largest infrastructure manager and is part of Macquarie Group, a top 10 Australian company by market capitalisation. MIRA is a long-term investor with extensive experience managing essential electricity infrastructure around the world.
ČEZ entered the Romanian energy market in 2005 when it bought the distribution company operating in Romania’s south, Electrica Oltenia, covering 86,665 km. The electricity supply business serves 1.4 million customers. In 2008, ČEZ started construction of the 600 MW onshore wind park near cities of Fântânele and Cogealac. Construction finished in 2012 when the park became the largest onshore wind farm in Europe. In 2011, ČEZ added 22 MW of hydro capacity to its Romanian portfolio when it bought and modernized four smaller plants near Reşita.