Energie: Rennen um Uniper-Kauf – zwei große Bieter erwägen Zusammenschluss

Two major bidders are considering a merger in the auction to acquire Uniper, as reported by the Handelsblatt. Equinor, the Norwegian energy conglomerate, is reportedly contemplating joining the consortium led by Canadian investors Brookfield and CPP. This move could potentially increase both firms' chances of securing a bid for Uniper.

Equinor and Brookfield have not commented on the matter, but insiders suggest that the inclusion of a European corporation might bolster their prospects. Equinor's participation could also enhance its own chances of being invited to the second round of the bidding process. The first round of bids for Uniper ended in September, with contenders including US financial investor KKR alongside RWE, as well as the Czech energy group EPH.

The second round is expected to conclude within the coming weeks, with the Federal Ministry of Finance planning to release a list of interested bidders who have submitted binding offers. The Ministry anticipates that three to five bidders will remain in contention. These bidders will then be granted access to a data room containing detailed company information about Uniper.

Based on a multi-month analysis of this data, the bidders are likely to submit binding bids for Uniper in the coming year. Uniper is also pursuing a return to the stock market through a process known as a Re-IPO. The German government took control of Uniper in 2022 due to its reliance on Russian gas supplies during the winter months.

Under EU regulations, around 75% of Uniper's shares must be privatized by 2028. The Federal Ministry of Finance, under Minister Lars Klingbeil, is responsible for deciding on share sales. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, led by Minister Katherina Reiche, is also involved in the process. Uniper has been working on its future strategy, focusing primarily on gas trading and storage, along with the generation of conventional power.

The company plans to invest €5 billion between 2025 and 2030, with roughly half of the funds intended for German projects. However, Uniper's efforts to secure funding for gas-fired power plants in Germany were unsuccessful in a recent auction. Additionally, an EU ban on Uniper, imposed as part of the privatization process, expired at the end of the year, allowing the company to resume larger acquisitions, such as those in renewable energy.