Energie: RWE und KKR planen offenbar gemeinsames Gebot für Uniper

German energy company Uniper is reportedly the subject of a joint bid by investment firm KKR and energy giant RWE, according to financial news agency Bloomberg. The deal, which is non-binding, comes as the German government seeks to ensure the national critical player remains in the hands of a suitable owner. Other interested parties include Norwegian energy firm Equinor and investment group Brookfield Asset Management, which has presented a bid alongside the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB).

Several parties from the initial circle of around ten bidders have opted against making a non-binding offer. The "Handelsblatt" reported last week that Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's EPH had submitted an offer as well. Uniper plays a crucial role in Germany's energy security as a major gas importer and power plant operator.

The sale would also be a step towards undoing the government's 2022 bailout of Uniper. KKR and RWE declined to comment, while Brookfield, CPPIB, and Uniper also refrained from giving their stance. Equinor did not respond to a request for comment. The German Finance Ministry prefers to see Uniper remain an integrated entity for gas trading and power generation, even after a potential sale.

The company's works council has opposed a sale, and workers' representatives believe a possible stock market listing would better preserve the company's independence. For RWE, the bid marks a shift in strategy, as CEO Markus Krebber had stated in August that the company had no interest in purchasing Uniper.