1MDB sells Edra power assets to China firm for nearly RM10b cash

KUALA LUMPUR: 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) has inked a deal to sell its entire power assets under Edra Global Energy Bhd to China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN).

1MDB said on Monday the sale of the 100% of the energy assets would be for RM9.83bil cash.

CGN Group will also assume all the relevant gross debt and cash of the Edra operating companies, based on a valuation date as at March 31, 2015. 

“The transaction is expected to be completed in February 2016,” it said.

Earlier reports stated the sale of Edra’s power assets, valued at RM18bil in 1MDB’s books, is part of the latter’s rationalisation plan to reduce its debts of close to RM42bil.

1MDB had paid RM12bil for the equity of the power assets under Edra and assumed debt worth RM6bil when it completed the purchase of the power assets. It was reported that 1MDB did not put a reserve price on Edra, but had hoped to sell the energy assets at a price close to its book value.

 Below is the statement issued by 1MDB:

1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), Edra Global Energy Bhd and its subsidiaries (Edra) have executed a share sale and purchase agreement with China General Nuclear Power Corporation and its subsidiaries (CGN Group) for the 100% sale of 1MDB’s ultimate ownership in all its energy assets.

The assets are Edra Solar Sdn Bhd, Edra Energy Sdn Bhd, Powertek Energy Sdn Bhd, Jimah Teknik Sdn Bhd, Jimah O&M Sdn Bhd, Mastika Lagenda Sdn Bhd and Tiara Tanah Sdn Bhd (Edra operating companies).

CGN Group will pay, in cash, an equity value of RM9.83 billion and will assume all the relevant gross debt and cash of the Edra operating companies, based on a valuation date as at 31 March 2015. The transaction is expected to be completed in February 2016.  

 Indicative offers for the Edra operating companies were first received in June 2015 via a rigorous, competitive and international tender process run by 1MDB’s financial adviser, Maybank Investment Bank Bhd. 

Rothschild acted as financial adviser to Edra. The sale is the largest announced M&A transaction in Malaysia and one of the largest in the Asian power sector, year to date. 

More importantly, this transaction marks the achievement of the first major milestone in the 1MDB rationalisation plan, as presented to the Cabinet of Malaysia on May 29, 2015.

Arul Kanda, president & group executive director, 1MDB, said: “We are pleased to announce this significant milestone of the Edra monetisation process. CGN Group was a clear winner in this international tender, based on the objectives announced by 1MDB previously, namely value maximisation, acceptable commercial terms and certainty of transaction execution. 

The purchase by CGN Group brings a significant Foreign Direct Investment commitment to Malaysia and is a clear vote of confidence in the Malaysian economy. 

He further added “1MDB thanks the staff, senior management and board members of Edra for their contributions to the company and commitment during the sale process”.  

Datuk Mark Ling, president & executive director, Edra, said: “Edra has successfully integrated what was originally 13 power plants across five countries, into one cohesive and strong platform, that practises the highest of international standards. 

“I am proud that the value created in our operating assets has been recognised by CGN Group, a major international operator with significant global operations. Edra senior management and staff are committed to continue performing our role as a key independent power producer (IPP) in Malaysia, Egypt, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the UAE”.

He Yu, Chairman of the Board, CGN Group, said, "This investment represents a major commitment by CGN Group as part of a long-term, global diversification initiative. 

“We are extremely impressed by the highly regulated, stable and transparent independent power producer framework in Malaysia, which has given us the confidence to make a long-term investment to the country. The CGN Group is a responsible and involved investor. 

“We will work closely with Edra, a Malaysian based and Malaysian run global platform, and together, will take it to the next level. Most important of all, we will ensure uninterrupted power supply, using environmentally friendly technologies and adhere to the fixed terms of the respective power purchase agreements, for the benefit of the people of Malaysia.”