Allianz, MIRA and Valtion Eläkerahasto to acquire Elenia

Allianz Capital Partners (ACP), Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA) and Valtion Eläkerahasto (VER) have signed an agreement to acquire Elenia Oy, Finland’s second largest power distribution system operator and Elenia Lämpö Oy, Finland’s ninth largest district heating network.

The consortium of ACP (45%), MIRA (45%) and VER (10%) will acquire Elenia from GS Infrastructure Partners, 3i and the mutual pension insurance company Ilmarinen.

Elenia was founded in early 2012 to consolidate Vattenfall’s Finnish power grids and heating operations. It serves 420,000 households, corporate and community customers across 100 municipalities in central Finland.

ACP and MIRA are long-term infrastructure investors with a strong track-record of investment experience in regulated utilities, including the electricity sector. VER is well-known and respected within the Finnish market and brings local market knowledge to the consortium.

The new owners will continue Elenia’s current strategy of modernising and weatherproofing its power distribution systems to provide its customers with a resilient and state-of-the-art network in line with the stated targets of the Energy Authority in Finland. Furthermore, Elenia will continue to provide its customers with environmentally friendly, convenient and competitive heating solutions. All investors have a long-term perspective for the sustainable development of Elenia and will work closely and in partnership with the present management team and staff of Elenia.

Completion of the transaction, subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected during the first quarter of 2018.

Christian Fingerle, Chief Investment Officer at ACP said:

“Elenia represents an attractive opportunity for our customers and is fully aligned with our investment strategy of investing in core infrastructure assets. We look forward to working with Elenia’s management and our partners, MIRA and VER, to facilitate the continued delivery of high-quality service for Elenia’s customers.”

Leigh Harrison, European Head of MIRA, added:

“We are delighted to partner with Allianz and VER. As long-term investors, we understand the strategic importance of Elenia to Finland’s energy landscape and the responsibilities this brings. We look forward to working with our partners and continuing to support the investment programme focused on weather proofing the distribution of electricity and the development of quality services for Elenia‘s customers.”

Maarit Säynevirta, Head of Alternative Investments at VER, commented:

“Elenia, which is a top tier organisation in the industry, will be empowered by strong, long-term owners who will be able to support the company’s further development.”

Elenia Oy ́s CEO Tapani Liuhala, said:

"We are pleased with the new investment from Allianz Capital Partners, MIRA and VER. We look forward to partnering with them and continuing to serve our customers and develop our business and distribution network as planned. Elenia has a significant role in developing the Finnish infrastructure and this work continues.”