Bernhard Capital Acquires New Mexico Gas Company from Emera for $1.252 Billion
(P&GJ) — Emera Inc. has announced the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary, New Mexico Gas Company Inc. (NMGC), to Bernhard Capital Partners (BCP) for $1.252 billion. This includes the assumption of approximately $500 million in debt, subject to customary closing adjustments.
“This transaction strengthens Emera's balance sheet, supports our ambitious capital plan and reinforces our strategic decision to optimize our portfolio and reallocate capital to our highest growth markets to drive long-term value for our shareholders,” Scott Balfour, president and CEO of Emera Inc., said.
Emera acquired NMGC as part of its purchase of the TECO group of companies in 2016. NMGC is the largest natural gas utility in New Mexico, serving over 545,000 customers and managing more than 12,000 miles of pipelines.
The sale price represents approximately 23x the last 12 months' earnings and 1.42x the rate base. Emera expects after-tax net proceeds of about $750 million USD, which will be used to repay holding company debt and support investments in its regulated utility businesses. The transaction is expected to improve Emera's CFO to debt metrics by 50 basis points and reduce holding company leverage by 200 basis points.
“This investment directly aligns with Bernhard Capital's strategy to invest in infrastructure assets and utilities that are critical to building more resilient communities,” Jeff Jenkins, founder and partner at Bernhard Capital Partners, said.
The transaction requires regulatory approval from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) and is subject to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. It is expected to close in late 2025, but not before September 30, 2025, unless authorized by the NMPRC.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Emera, with Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as legal advisor. Jefferies LLC is the exclusive financial advisor to Bernhard Capital, with Kirkland & Ellis LLP serving as their legal advisor.
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