AGL Energy slams $250m offer by Alinta Energy for Liddell power station

The offer "significantly undervalues" future cash flows, according to AGL.

On 30 April 2018, AGL Energy Limited received an unsolicited, non-binding, highly conditional indicative offer from Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Alinta Energy Pty Limited to acquire the Liddell Power Station, associated assets and the related site for a cash consideration payable to AGL of $250 million.

AGL has completed a thorough assessment of the Offer and, after careful consideration, has advised Chow Tai Fook and Alinta that it will not proceed any further with the Offer. The AGL Board has determined that the fffer is not in the best interests of AGL or its shareholders. It significantly undervalues future cash flows to AGL of operating the Liddell Power Station until 2022 and the repurposing of the site thereafter.

In considering the offer, AGL sought external expert advice on matters relevant to the Offer, including the capital expenditure requirements across all plant components and the reliability and safety profile of the ageing power station. Consequently, AGL has reaffirmed its decision to close Liddell in December 2022 and will continue progressing its NSW Generation Plan, which includes repurposing Liddell. The Australian Energy Market Operator has confirmed that completion of this Plan will address the capacity shortfall that may occur as a result of Liddell’s closure.