Enbridge and Spectra Energy to combine to create North America's main energy infrastructure company
Enbridge Inc. and Spectra Energy Corp has announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Enbridge and Spectra Energy will combine in a stock-for-stock merger transaction, which values Spectra Energy common stock at approximately US$28 billion.
The combination will create the largest energy infrastructure company in North America and one of the largest globally based on a pro-forma enterprise value of approximately US$127 billion. The transaction was unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017, subject to shareholder and certain regulatory approvals, and other customary conditions.
Under the terms of the transaction, Spectra Energy shareholders will receive 0.984 shares of the combined company for each share of Spectra Energy common stock they own. The consideration to be received by Spectra Energy shareholders is valued at US$40.33 per Spectra Energy share, based on the closing price of Enbridge common shares on September 2, 2016, representing an approximate 11.5 percent premium to the closing price of Spectra Energy common stock on September 2, 2016.
Upon completion of the transaction, Enbridge shareholders are expected to own approximately 57 percent of the combined company and Spectra Energy shareholders are expected to own approximately 43 percent. The combined company will be called Enbridge Inc.
This combination brings together two highly complementary platforms to create North America's largest energy infrastructure company and meaningfully enhances customer optionality. With an asset base that includes a diverse set of best-in-class assets comprised of crude oil, liquids and natural gas pipelines, terminal and midstream operations, a regulated utility portfolio and renewable power generation, the combined company will be positioned to provide integrated services and first and last mile connectivity to key supply basins and demand markets.
On a combined basis for the 12 months ended June 30, 2016, the company would have generated combined revenues in excess of US$31 billion and combined Earnings before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) of US$4.4 billion, and will have the scale, balance sheet strength, financial flexibility and free cash flow to comfortably fund future growth.
Al Monaco, President and Chief Executive Officer, Enbridge Inc. said:
"Over the last two years, we've been focused on identifying opportunities that would extend and diversify our asset base and sources of growth beyond 2019," . "We are accomplishing that goal by combining with the premier natural gas infrastructure company to create a true North American and global energy infrastructure leader. This Transaction is transformational for both companies and results in unmatched scale, diversity and financial flexibility with multiple platforms for organic growth."
Greg Ebel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spectra Energy, who will become chairman of Enbridge following the closing of the Transaction, said:
"The combination of Enbridge and Spectra Energy creates what we believe will be the best, most diversified energy infrastructure company in North America, if not the world. This is an incredible opportunity for both companies and we at Spectra Energy could not be more excited about what it means going forward. Together, the merged company will have what we believe is the finest platform for serving customers in every region of North America and providing investors with the opportunity for superior shareholder returns."
Mr. Monaco added:
"Bringing Enbridge and Spectra Energy together makes strong strategic and financial sense, and the all-stock nature of the Transaction provides shareholders of both companies with the opportunity to participate in the significant upside potential of the combined company. With combined secured projects in execution of C$26 billion (US$20 billion) and another C$48 billion (US$37 billion) of projects under development, the Transaction allows us to extend our anticipated 10-12 percent annual dividend growth through 2024. We believe our combination of best-in-class assets, superior growth and strong commercial underpinning of our business will be unrivaled in our sector. Importantly, we will preserve and enhance our shareholder value proposition, which centers on delivering consistent growth with a low-risk business model."
Mr. Ebel added:
"The strength of the combined company will support a large capital program to fund the continued development of Spectra Energy's existing, preeminent project inventory in addition to allowing the combined company to compete for and win the most attractive new growth projects - all while maintaining expected strong dividend growth with exceptional coverage. The transaction premium recognizes the strength of Spectra Energy's world-class natural gas pipeline system and significant expansion program, while providing shareholders the opportunity to participate in the unparalleled value creation potential of the combined company. While our assets are largely complementary, our values are shared, and together we will create a best-in-class company for shareholders, employees, customers, and communities alike."
