The sale of the Romanian assets of CEZ Group to the funds managed by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA) received final approval. Thus, the sale includes a total of seven Romanian companies, including the electricity distribution network, electricity supply and the largest onshore wind farm in Europe, from Fântânele – Cogealac, along with other companies.
The acquisition agreement was signed last year, in October, and the transaction was approved by the European Commission – General Directorate of Competition and by the Supreme Council of National Defense of Romania.
After 18 months from the beginning of the divestment process and a high level of interest for assets, demonstrated by investors, the Romanian assets held by the CEZ Group were acquired by MIRA. The transaction was approved by the European Commission – General Directorate of Competition and the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT). Seven Romanian companies (Oltenia Energy Distribution, Ovidiu Development, Tomis Team, MW Team Invest, CEZ Vânzare, TMK Hydroenergy Power and CEZ Romania) thus change their shareholder starting with March 31, 2021.
“After 15 years as part of the CEZ Group, Romanian companies have consolidated their role in the local economy and have significantly contributed to raising quality and innovation standards in the sector. I am convinced that MIRA, as a key player with significant experience in the field and with a long-term investment vision, will further strengthen our role and support the high level of expertise of our local team for a stronger portfolio, for the immediate benefit of the local economy and of our clients,” says Ondrej Safar, CEO of CEZ Romania.
MIRA is the largest infrastructure manager internationally and is part of the Macquarie Group, ranked in the top 10 companies in Australia by market capitalization. MIRA is a long-term investor with extensive experience in managing the world’s leading electricity infrastructure. MIRA currently has in its investment portfolio 12.5 GW in renewable energy capacity and 200,000 kilometers of electricity distribution networks in Australia, Austria, Finland, Spain and the United States.
“We need a stronger and more sustainable energy infrastructure to facilitate Romania’s growing electrification and its transition to a low-carbon economy. The business in the field of essential infrastructure in this portfolio will play an important role in transforming the energy system in Romania and we look forward to getting involved in its continuous development,” said Leigh Harrison, Director of MIRA EMEA.