BKW acquires majority stake in AEK: BKW and AEK face the future together
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Bern (ots)
BKW is to acquire Alpiq's 38.7 per cent stake in AEK Energie AG. It will therefore hold a stake of over 93 per cent in the Solothurn-based energy provider. The new ownership structure will promote the development of AEK into an integrated energy service provider with strong regional roots. This will open up a more extensive offer for customers and secure the long-term future for employees.
This move is an opportunity for BKW and for AEK. Both companies will benefit from the greater future cooperation. AEK will remain firmly established in the Solothurn region but will be able to benefit from the extensive service portfolio of the growing BKW Group. This will create tangible added value for customers. Conversely, BKW's customers will also benefit from AEK's strengths, such as its contracting business, i.e. the planning, financing, installation, operation and maintenance of combined heat and power networks and district heating projects.
BKW CEO Suzanne Thoma sees many opportunities in AEK: "AEK is a company that is successful in the market and is well managed. The fact that it is now part of the BKW family is an asset for BKW, for AEK and also for the region." For AEK Director Walter Wirth, this is the ideal solution: "BKW has been an important shareholder of AEK for almost ninety years and is well acquainted with the company and its culture. I look forward to facing the future with BKW and strengthening both companies in the process."
The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. Completion of the transaction is subject to approval by the Competition Commission COMCO.
BKW has held a stake in AEK Energie AG since 1928. It has now acquired a majority shareholding. In addition to its existing 39.5 per cent stake, it has now acquired a shareholdings package of 53.6 per cent. The shareholdings package comprises the 4.4 per cent stake of EBM (Genossenschaft Elektra Birseck, Münchenstein), the 2.7 per cent stake of EBL (Genossenschaft Elektra Baselland, Liestal) and the 7.3 per cent stake of Toff AG in addition to Alpiq's substantial shareholding of 38.7 per cent. In addition, just under half a per cent of the shares of other shareholders from the free float will be transferred to BKW. The remaining 6.8 per cent of shares will remain in free float.
Note for media representatives:
On Thursday 28.04.16 at 2.30 p.m. there will be a telephone conference during which you will have the opportunity to address questions to BKW CEO Suzanne Thoma, AEK Director Walter Wirth and Chairman of the Board of Directors at AEK, Pirmin Bischof.
The dial-in details will be provided on request. Please email us at media@bkw.ch.
Contact:
BKW AG, Media Relations, Viktoriaplatz 2, 3013 Bern
Tel. +41 58 477 51 07 - media@bkw.ch - www.bkw.ch
AEK Energie AG, Communications, Westbahnhofstrasse 3, 4502 Solothurn
Tel. +41 32 624 83 18 - www.aek.ch