EQT Infrastructure and Fortistar have agreed to sell MCV to Borealis Infrastructure.
During EQT Infrastructure’s and Fortistar’s ownership , MCV has increased the plant’s capacity, operating efficiency and reliability through a broad range of operational improvement initiatives and improvements to key contracts.
MCV sales and EBITDA have increased by 27% and 49% respectively from 2009 to 2012 EQT Infrastructure and Fortistar have signed a definitive agreement to sell Midland Cogeneration Venture (“MCV”) to Toronto-based Borealis Infrastructure (“Borealis”). Borealis invests in and manages infrastructure assets on behalf of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest pension funds.
EQT Infrastructure and Fortistar acquired 70% and 30% respectively in MCV in May of 2009. A strategy to improve efficiency, reliability and capacity of the plant has been successfully executed through the implementation of an extensive operational improvement program. MCV has also begun development and permitting work for a 640 megawatt expansion of the facility, which would enable it to expand its electricity and steam service to existing customers and potentially provide these services to additional customers. Sales (net of fuel and purchased power) and EBITDA have as a result of the implemented measures increased by 27% and 49% respectively from 2009 to 2012.
“MCV has enhanced its ability to provide reliable electricity and steam to its customers and the local community for many years to come. The focused operational improvement strategy has substantially exceeded the original expectations which we attribute to the extraordinary commitment of the MCV employees to implement this strategy. EQT Infrastructure and Fortistar are divesting a company which is more reliable, more energy efficient and better positioned for its future than when it was acquired”, says Glen Matsumoto, Partner at EQT Partners, Inc., Investment Advisor to EQT Infrastructure.
“During the ownership by EQT Infrastructure and Fortistar, MCV has been through a transformation that only few could have imagined back in May 2009. I am very proud that the operational performance of the plant has increased significantly while employee safety has further improved. The employees of MCV are excited about continuing their commitment to operational excellence under the ownership of Borealis”, says Roger Kelley, CEO of MCV.
Mark Comora, President of Fortistar, said “We are pleased to have had the opportunity of working with EQT Infrastructure and the MCV management team for the past three years. It is a testament of what can be achieved when everyone works together towards one common goal – to provide cost effective, reliable and environmentally sensitive power for Michigan.” “MCV is an excellent facility with a strong management team, and it is exactly the type of large scale infrastructure asset we look for to help us generate consistent, long-term returns,” said Michael Rolland, Borealis President and CEO. “Our teams in both Toronto and New York look forward to working with the MCV management team and building on the success that they have been able to achieve over the past few years.”
The transaction is expected to close by year-end and is subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
EQT Infrastructure and Fortistar have been advised by Credit Suisse, RBC Capital Markets and Shearman & Sterling. Advisors for Borealis included Torys LLP.
