Duke Energy press release on acquisition
CHARLOTTE, N.C. and CINCINNATI, OHIO – Cinergy (CIN) and Duke Energy (DUK) today announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to create an energy company with approximately $36 billion in market capitalization and 5.4 million retail customers.
The merger, which was unanimously approved by both companies’ boards of directors, will create a combined energy company with assets totaling more than $70 billion.
The combined company, to be named Duke Energy Corporation, will have approximately $27 billion in annual revenues and $1.9 billion in annual net income (combined figures as of Dec. 31, 2004). It will own and/or operate approximately 54,000 megawatts of electric generation domestically and internationally – relying on a diverse fuel mix of nuclear, coal, natural gas and hydroelectric power to meet customers’ needs. Duke Energy also operates more than 17,500 miles of natural gas transmission pipeline with 250 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage capacity and, through its joint venture with ConocoPhillips, is the largest producer of natural gas liquids (NGLs) in North America. The combined company will have operations in two-thirds of the United States, as well as Canada and several other international locations – primarily in Latin America.
By combining resources and best practices, the merger will enhance operations and create efficiencies at all levels of the new company, including generation, transmission and distribution as well as power and gas marketing.
Under the merger agreement, each common share of Cinergy will be converted into 1.56 shares of Duke Energy upon closing of the merger. Based on the closing prices on May 6, Cinergy investors will receive a premium of 13.4 percent. Following the merger, Cinergy shareholders will own approximately 24 percent, or about 310 million shares, of Duke Energy pro-forma shares outstanding, and Duke Energy shareholders will own approximately 76 percent of the total 1.3 billion shares. The transaction will be accretive to Duke Energy’s earnings in the first full year of operation.
Upon completion of the merger, Paul M. Anderson, currently chairman and chief executive officer of Duke Energy, will become chairman of the board of the combined company. James E. Rogers, currently chairman, president and chief executive officer of Cinergy, will become president and chief executive officer. The new board will be comprised initially of 10 members named by Duke Energy and five members named by Cinergy.
“The combination of Duke Energy and Cinergy will create a rock-solid portfolio of electric and gas businesses, increasing value for our shareholders immediately and in the longer term,” said Anderson. “This union is a great strategic fit and leaves us well positioned for continued consolidation in the energy sector as both the electric and gas businesses will have the scale to stand alone. Importantly, it also provides an immediate and significant improvement for our merchant operations and enhances their future prospects.
“Just as significant as the strong strategic fit of our companies is the cultural fit. Duke Energy and Cinergy share compatible values, operating philosophies and views of the future,” Anderson said.
“The increased scope and scale will make the combined company a major industry leader with a strong balance sheet, complementary assets and a low-cost generation portfolio,” said Rogers. “Both companies are known for operational excellence as well as strong customer service and reliability.
“We are creating a top-tier energy company that will assume a key leadership role in the future of our industry while delivering benefits to all of our stakeholders. Moreover, this combination creates a stronger platform from which to continue our leadership in finding practical solutions to the environmental challenges facing our industry and country.”
Benefits of the Merger
The merger will deliver significant value to customers and shareholders of both companies:
Increased Scale and Scope of Regulated Businesses: The combined company will create a stronger portfolio of utility businesses with 3.7 million retail electric customers and 1.7 million retail gas customers in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Ontario, Canada. The retail electric businesses will have more than 25,000 megawatts of generation and broad operational and regulatory experience. Coupled with the company’s pipeline operations, the regulated businesses will contribute a substantial percentage of stable earnings and create the financial strength and scale to participate in the continuing consolidation of the utility sector.
Stronger Merchant Power Platform: With a fleet of more than 16,000 megawatts of unregulated generation, the combined merchant power operation will benefit from increased fuel and market diversity. Consolidation of the trading and marketing units and midwestern merchant generating fleets will enhance scale and efficiencies -- reducing the cost structure of merchant operations by approximately $95 million during year one and $125 million per year subsequently. Significantly, Duke Energy’s gas-fired generation in the Midwest complements Cinergy’s coal-fired generation in that region. The merchant operations, with a competitive market presence in North America and South America, will be well positioned to participate in the continuing consolidation of the wholesale power sector.
Increased Duke Energy Dividend Creates Immediate Shareholder Value: In conjunction with today’s merger announcement, Duke Energy’s board of directors said it intends to increase Duke Energy’s dividend by 12.7 percent, or 14 cents a year, for an annual dividend of $1.24. The dividend increase, which will be voted on during the board’s June meeting, would be effective with the September 2005 disbursement. As a result of the merger transaction and the Duke Energy dividend increase, Cinergy shareholders will be kept whole at closing with respect to their current dividend.
Continued Financial Strength: Increased scale and scope will also strengthen the balance sheet of the combined company, improving financial flexibility and positioning it well for the future. The combined company will have electric and gas businesses with stand-alone scale. Based on implied market capitalization, the electric business would be one of the top five in the United States; the gas business would be the largest in North America.
Significant Synergies: The merger offers both strategic and financial advantages in serving the energy marketplace. Not including implementation costs, the combination will generate approximately $400 million in annual gross synergies -- when fully realized in year three -- from across corporate activities, regulated utilities and non-regulated marketing, trading and generation businesses. These cost savings will result from elimination of duplicate spending and overlapping functions, improved sourcing strategies, avoidance of planned expenditures and the consolidation of non-regulated business unit operations. The combined companies currently employ approximately 29,350 and expect a reduction of approximately 1,500, primarily through attrition, early retirements and other severance programs. The companies anticipate that upon review with state commissions, regulated savings will be shared between customers and shareholders over time in an equitable manner.
Steadfast Community Involvement: Duke Energy and Cinergy have long been committed to the communities in which they operate. That demonstrated commitment will continue through local presence, economic development efforts and corporate contributions.
Structure and Organization
Following the merger, the combined company will be a registered holding company with corporate headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. Local headquarters of the operating utilities will remain unchanged by the merger: Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company and Union Light, Heat & Power will remain in Cincinnati; PSI Energy will remain in Plainfield, Indiana; and Duke Power will continue to be headquartered in Charlotte. Duke Energy Gas Transmission (DEGT) and certain commercial operations will remain in Houston. Duke Energy Field Services (DEFS) will remain headquartered in Denver and Crescent Resources will continue to be located in Charlotte.
At the completion of the merger, Rogers will have responsibility for all Duke Energy’s business units, corporate functions and support services with the exception of the company’s gas businesses: DEGT and DEFS. At closing, Fred Fowler, currently president of Duke Energy, will become president and chief executive officer of these gas operations, reporting to Rogers on operations and to Anderson on strategy, pending completion of a strategic review of the portfolio.
Approvals and Timing
The merger is conditioned upon approval by the shareholders of both companies, as well as a number of regulatory approvals or reviews by federal and state energy authorities, including the North Carolina Utilities Commission, the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the Kentucky Public Service Commission, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (for assurance of continuing financial qualifications and operational standards), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice.
The new company intends to register as a holding company with SEC under the Public Utility Holding Company Act. The companies anticipate making required regulatory filings by July 2005, with necessary approvals obtained in about 12 months. The companies will work to secure necessary government approvals consistent with FERC’s Merger Policy Statement and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
Duke Energy dividend to be increased 12.7 percent for an annual dividend of $1.24
Combined company to have more than $70 billion in total assets
All stock transaction; each common share of Cinergy to be converted into 1.56 shares of Duke Energy
Duke Energy’s Anderson to be chairman of combined company; Cinergy’s Rogers to be president and CEO
CHARLOTTE, N.C. and CINCINNATI, OHIO – Cinergy (CIN) and Duke Energy (DUK) today announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to create an energy company with approximately $36 billion in market capitalization and 5.4 million retail customers.
The merger, which was unanimously approved by both companies’ boards of directors, will create a combined energy company with assets totaling more than $70 billion.
The combined company, to be named Duke Energy Corporation, will have approximately $27 billion in annual revenues and $1.9 billion in annual net income (combined figures as of Dec. 31, 2004). It will own and/or operate approximately 54,000 megawatts of electric generation domestically and internationally – relying on a diverse fuel mix of nuclear, coal, natural gas and hydroelectric power to meet customers’ needs. Duke Energy also operates more than 17,500 miles of natural gas transmission pipeline with 250 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage capacity and, through its joint venture with ConocoPhillips, is the largest producer of natural gas liquids (NGLs) in North America. The combined company will have operations in two-thirds of the United States, as well as Canada and several other international locations – primarily in Latin America.
By combining resources and best practices, the merger will enhance operations and create efficiencies at all levels of the new company, including generation, transmission and distribution as well as power and gas marketing.
Under the merger agreement, each common share of Cinergy will be converted into 1.56 shares of Duke Energy upon closing of the merger. Based on the closing prices on May 6, Cinergy investors will receive a premium of 13.4 percent. Following the merger, Cinergy shareholders will own approximately 24 percent, or about 310 million shares, of Duke Energy pro-forma shares outstanding, and Duke Energy shareholders will own approximately 76 percent of the total 1.3 billion shares. The transaction will be accretive to Duke Energy’s earnings in the first full year of operation.
Upon completion of the merger, Paul M. Anderson, currently chairman and chief executive officer of Duke Energy, will become chairman of the board of the combined company. James E. Rogers, currently chairman, president and chief executive officer of Cinergy, will become president and chief executive officer. The new board will be comprised initially of 10 members named by Duke Energy and five members named by Cinergy.
“The combination of Duke Energy and Cinergy will create a rock-solid portfolio of electric and gas businesses, increasing value for our shareholders immediately and in the longer term,” said Anderson. “This union is a great strategic fit and leaves us well positioned for continued consolidation in the energy sector as both the electric and gas businesses will have the scale to stand alone. Importantly, it also provides an immediate and significant improvement for our merchant operations and enhances their future prospects.
“Just as significant as the strong strategic fit of our companies is the cultural fit. Duke Energy and Cinergy share compatible values, operating philosophies and views of the future,” Anderson said.
“The increased scope and scale will make the combined company a major industry leader with a strong balance sheet, complementary assets and a low-cost generation portfolio,” said Rogers. “Both companies are known for operational excellence as well as strong customer service and reliability.
“We are creating a top-tier energy company that will assume a key leadership role in the future of our industry while delivering benefits to all of our stakeholders. Moreover, this combination creates a stronger platform from which to continue our leadership in finding practical solutions to the environmental challenges facing our industry and country.”
Benefits of the Merger
The merger will deliver significant value to customers and shareholders of both companies:
Increased Scale and Scope of Regulated Businesses: The combined company will create a stronger portfolio of utility businesses with 3.7 million retail electric customers and 1.7 million retail gas customers in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Ontario, Canada. The retail electric businesses will have more than 25,000 megawatts of generation and broad operational and regulatory experience. Coupled with the company’s pipeline operations, the regulated businesses will contribute a substantial percentage of stable earnings and create the financial strength and scale to participate in the continuing consolidation of the utility sector.
Stronger Merchant Power Platform: With a fleet of more than 16,000 megawatts of unregulated generation, the combined merchant power operation will benefit from increased fuel and market diversity. Consolidation of the trading and marketing units and midwestern merchant generating fleets will enhance scale and efficiencies -- reducing the cost structure of merchant operations by approximately $95 million during year one and $125 million per year subsequently. Significantly, Duke Energy’s gas-fired generation in the Midwest complements Cinergy’s coal-fired generation in that region. The merchant operations, with a competitive market presence in North America and South America, will be well positioned to participate in the continuing consolidation of the wholesale power sector.
Increased Duke Energy Dividend Creates Immediate Shareholder Value: In conjunction with today’s merger announcement, Duke Energy’s board of directors said it intends to increase Duke Energy’s dividend by 12.7 percent, or 14 cents a year, for an annual dividend of $1.24. The dividend increase, which will be voted on during the board’s June meeting, would be effective with the September 2005 disbursement. As a result of the merger transaction and the Duke Energy dividend increase, Cinergy shareholders will be kept whole at closing with respect to their current dividend.
Continued Financial Strength: Increased scale and scope will also strengthen the balance sheet of the combined company, improving financial flexibility and positioning it well for the future. The combined company will have electric and gas businesses with stand-alone scale. Based on implied market capitalization, the electric business would be one of the top five in the United States; the gas business would be the largest in North America.
Significant Synergies: The merger offers both strategic and financial advantages in serving the energy marketplace. Not including implementation costs, the combination will generate approximately $400 million in annual gross synergies -- when fully realized in year three -- from across corporate activities, regulated utilities and non-regulated marketing, trading and generation businesses. These cost savings will result from elimination of duplicate spending and overlapping functions, improved sourcing strategies, avoidance of planned expenditures and the consolidation of non-regulated business unit operations. The combined companies currently employ approximately 29,350 and expect a reduction of approximately 1,500, primarily through attrition, early retirements and other severance programs. The companies anticipate that upon review with state commissions, regulated savings will be shared between customers and shareholders over time in an equitable manner.
Steadfast Community Involvement: Duke Energy and Cinergy have long been committed to the communities in which they operate. That demonstrated commitment will continue through local presence, economic development efforts and corporate contributions.
Structure and Organization
Following the merger, the combined company will be a registered holding company with corporate headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. Local headquarters of the operating utilities will remain unchanged by the merger: Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company and Union Light, Heat & Power will remain in Cincinnati; PSI Energy will remain in Plainfield, Indiana; and Duke Power will continue to be headquartered in Charlotte. Duke Energy Gas Transmission (DEGT) and certain commercial operations will remain in Houston. Duke Energy Field Services (DEFS) will remain headquartered in Denver and Crescent Resources will continue to be located in Charlotte.
At the completion of the merger, Rogers will have responsibility for all Duke Energy’s business units, corporate functions and support services with the exception of the company’s gas businesses: DEGT and DEFS. At closing, Fred Fowler, currently president of Duke Energy, will become president and chief executive officer of these gas operations, reporting to Rogers on operations and to Anderson on strategy, pending completion of a strategic review of the portfolio.
Approvals and Timing
The merger is conditioned upon approval by the shareholders of both companies, as well as a number of regulatory approvals or reviews by federal and state energy authorities, including the North Carolina Utilities Commission, the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the Kentucky Public Service Commission, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (for assurance of continuing financial qualifications and operational standards), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice.
The new company intends to register as a holding company with SEC under the Public Utility Holding Company Act. The companies anticipate making required regulatory filings by July 2005, with necessary approvals obtained in about 12 months. The companies will work to secure necessary government approvals consistent with FERC’s Merger Policy Statement and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
Duke Energy dividend to be increased 12.7 percent for an annual dividend of $1.24
Combined company to have more than $70 billion in total assets
All stock transaction; each common share of Cinergy to be converted into 1.56 shares of Duke Energy
Duke Energy’s Anderson to be chairman of combined company; Cinergy’s Rogers to be president and CEO