OSLO: Aker ASA announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Aker Horizons AS has agreed to acquire 75 percent of Mainstream Renewable Power, a leading independent renewable energy company within onshore and offshore wind and solar.

The Transaction values the current equity of Mainstream at EUR 900 million on a 100 percent basis and gives Aker Horizons a portfolio of projects in operation and under construction of about 1.4 GW, a project development pipeline of about 10 GW and a further 10 GW of identified project opportunities.

“Aker made a step change in the last year, taking a position within renewable energy production, green technologies, digitalization and other mega trends that have seen accelerating flow of resources and capital, not just in Aker, but in global markets. Combining Mainstream’s global organization and renewable assets with Aker’s 180-year track record of building and developing industrial companies is another step in line with our long-term strategy for value creation and to position Aker Horizons for significant and sustainable growth in renewable energy markets,” says Øyvind Eriksen, President and CEO of Aker ASA and Chairman of Aker Horizons.

The company will leverage the deep domain expertise in the Aker ecosystem, including within software and industrial digitalization. Aker Horizons’ ambition is to develop companies with a total capacity of 10 GW and remove the equivalent of 25 million tonnes CO\2\ per year by 2025.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mainstream as we accelerate our journey of what we call planet-positive investing. Mainstream’s role as a pioneer in renewables and its strong entrepreneurial culture is a good fit as we carve out our path forward in the energy transition. Through the acquisition of Mainstream, Aker Horizons will gain a platform to drive forward its renewable energy ambitions and position itself in a growing market for hybrid projects,” says Kristian Røkke, Chief Executive Officer of Aker Horizons.

“We are delighted to have such a highly respected business as Aker Horizons on board, enabling Mainstream to materially accelerate its growth plans to deliver a global portfolio of wind and solar assets. We plan to bring 5.5 GW of renewable assets to financial close globally by 2023, which sets us firmly on track to becoming one of the world’s first pure-play renewable energy majors,” says Mary Quaney, Chief Executive Officer of Mainstream Renewable Power.

In addition to the acquisition of Mainstream, Aker Horizons has ambitious investment targets and is currently in the process of preparing for a near-term private placement and a listing on Euronext Growth (IPO) with a subsequent transfer of the listing to Oslo Børs within 12 months.

ABG Sundal Collier, DNB Markets, a part of DNB Bank ASA, Nordea Bank Abp’s Norway branch and Pareto Securities AS have been engaged to assist on the potential IPO of Aker Horizons which is subject to inter alia market conditions and investor feedback. Advokatfirmaet BAHR acts as legal advisor for the potential IPO.

Transaction highlights

• Aker Horizons agrees to acquire 75 percent of Mainstream Renewable Power for a total consideration on a 100 percent basis of EUR 900 million, subject to customary adjustments
• Existing Mainstream shareholders, led by founder and chairman Dr. Eddie O’Connor, will re-invest and retain 25 percent ownership. Dr. O’Connor will continue as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mainstream after completion of the Transaction. Kjell Inge Røkke, Øyvind Eriksen and Kristian Røkke will become board members.
• The agreement includes an additional earn-out payment in 2023 of up to EUR 100 million to selling shareholders based on meeting certain milestones
• As part of the Transaction, Aker Horizons will acquire 50 percent of superconducting technology company SuperNode
• The Transaction is expected to close in Q2 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, as well as approvals from Mainstream’s creditors

DNB Markets, a part of DNB Bank ASA, Nordea Bank Abp’s Norway branch and Green Giraffe act as financial advisors to Aker Horizons in the Transaction.

Adding Mainstream to its portfolio enables Aker Horizons to accelerate the development of a global position within renewable energy and marks a significant step towards realizing its planet-positive ambitions.

Aker Horizons’ portfolio company, Aker Offshore Wind, and Mainstream’s offshore business will remain separate entities, but Aker Horizons will explore areas for partnerships and collaboration to accelerate their respective strategies following the acquisition.

Mainstream is a leading independent renewable energy player with a global footprint and a proven track record across renewable power industries.

As part of the transaction, Aker Horizons will also acquire a 50 percent holding in SuperNode, a technology company which designs and develops superconductor cables to address the significant future need for higher capacity cables with lower power loss. SuperNode was founded by Dr. Eddie O’Connor in 2018.

The technology enables connecting offshore wind production efficiently with markets over longer distances. Aker Horizons will develop SuperNode together with Dr. O’Connor, who will remain a key shareholder.

The transaction is fully financed through a bank facility of EUR 510 million provided by DNB Bank ASA and Nordea Bank Apb, and funding from Aker for the remaining EUR 248 million, including Aker Horizons’ share of EUR 110 million in new equity injected, on a 100 percent basis, at closing in order to fund ongoing projects and Mainstream’s growth plans.

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