In connection with the capital injection in DONG Energy in February 2014, it was agreed between the main shareholders and the company to develop an Initial Public Offering (IPO) roadmap addressing DONG Energy’s continued strategic development ahead of a potential IPO. This roadmap has now been completed with the following outcome and key priorities:
IPO timing: DONG Energy intends to pursue an IPO within 18 months, subject to market conditions. DONG Energy will now initiate IPO preparations, to allow the IPO to take place as soon as possible.
Strategic approach for DONG Energy:
• Ahead of the IPO, DONG Energy will continue to strengthen its position as a world-class clean energy company with a diversified renewables portfolio based on leading competences in offshore wind and biomass, as well as distribution and sales anchored in DONG Energy’s Danish home market.
• DONG Energy’s E&P business operates in a structurally different market environment, which is currently characterised by the significant drop in oil prices over the past 12 months. A business program has been initiated to adapt the E&P business to the new market reality. The Board of Directors and management will give full attention to the successful execution of this programme.
• DONG Energy will undertake a full strategic review of the E&P business to decide how to best position the business going forward.
Key priorities for each of the business units:
• Wind Power: Continue to drive profitable growth and reduce cost of electricity for offshore wind to reinforce DONG Energy’s global leadership position and provide a scalable and effective tool to combat global climate change.
• Exploration & Production: Continue to adapt the business to the new market reality, complete current development projects, optimise the portfolio, reduce costs and invest in sustainable, long-term reserves replacement.
• Thermal Power: Leverage the capabilities and technologies within biomass to build a value-creating bio-energy leader, continuing the company’s shift away from fossil fuels.
• Customers & Markets: Continue to strengthen the competitiveness of the distribution and sales business to maintain a stable, regulated earnings platform anchored in DONG Energy’s Danish home market.
Divestments to entities 100% controlled by the Danish state:
In a joint understanding with the Danish state, DONG Energy will seek, on market terms, to divest its gas distribution and oil and gas pipelines to Energinet.dk at an appropriate point in time.
State ownership:
In today’s announcement of the political agreement regarding DONG Energy, the Danish State has confirmed that it will maintain a controlling shareholding in DONG Energy after an IPO.
Capital structure:
DONG Energy commits to be adequately capitalised and to maintain a robust and stable financial profile with a minimum rating of BBB+/Baa1.
The information provided in this announcement does not change DONG Energy’s previous financial guidance for the 2015 financial year or the announced expected investment level for 2015-2016.
For additional information, please contact:
Media Relations
Martin Barlebo
+45 99 55 95 52
Investor Relations
Allan Bødskov Andersen
+45 99 55 97 69
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for any shares or other securities of DONG Energy A/S or affiliates thereof. The announcement is not directed to any person resident in any jurisdiction in which the submission or distribution of this announcement would contravene the law of such jurisdiction. This announcement may not be distributed to persons resident in any such jurisdiction.
Accordingly this announcement may not be distributed in any jurisdiction outside Denmark if such distribution would require any registration, qualification or other requirement. Any person acquiring possession of this announcement is expected and assumed to obtain on his or her own accord any necessary information on any applicable restrictions and to comply with such restrictions.