IndiGrid signs the largest power transmission deal with Sterlite Power AUM to leapfrog to over INR 200 Bn
Mumbai: India Grid Trust, India’s first power infrastructure investment trust (InvIT), today signed a share purchase agreement to acquire NER-II Transmission Limited (“NER-II”), from Sterlite Power as part of the Framework Agreement. The indicative value of the acquisition is ~INR 46.25 Bn (subject to closing adjustments) and would boost IndiGrid’s AUM by 34% to over ~INR 200 Bn (USD 2.8 Bn). Post completion, the platform’s asset portfolio would consist of 13 power transmission projects, with a total network of 38 power transmission lines and 11 substations extending over ~7,570 circuit kilometers & 13,350 MVA in 17 Indian states and 1 Union Territory.
NER-II is part of the Inter-State Transmission Scheme (ISTS) network and was awarded on a Build, Own, Operate, Maintain (“BOOM”) basis with a contractual period of 35 years. The project has 11 elements including two substations of 1,260 MVA capacity and four transmission lines extending over ~830 circuit kilometers. The asset spans Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura and is of strategic importance for the delivery of power in one of the toughest regions in the country. This project will strengthen the power transmission network in the North Eastern States and address the transmission, sub-transmission, and distribution system needs of the region.
IndiGrid had signed a framework agreement in April 2019 with Sterlite Power for the acquisition of NER-II upon commissioning. This transaction is expected to be consummated during Q4 FY21, subject to unitholders’ approval, regulatory approvals, and other customary closing adjustments. The acquisition will be funded through a combination of internal accruals, debt, equity proceeds from the preference issue done in May 2019 and forthcoming rights issue. Post this acquisition, the net debt/AUM would stand at ~64%.
Commenting on the acquisition, Harsh Shah, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGrid, said: “We are excited about the acquisition of NER-II which is one of the largest acquisitions in the Indian power transmission sector in India. NER-II fits well with our strategy of focusing on operating assets with long-term cash flows and minimal counter-party risk. This acquisition would be DPU accretive and augment our recent increase of DPU to INR 12.40 per annum for a considerable period. With a robust acquisition pipeline and support from our sponsors, IndiGrid is well-positioned to execute its plans for providing stable and growing DPU while maintaining a robust balance sheet.”
Commenting on the transaction, Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director, Sterlite Power said, “We are delighted to sign the Share Purchase Agreement with IndiGrid for our mega NER-II project at a transaction value of INR 46.25 Bn subject to closing adjustments. The acquisition of NER-II was envisaged as part of the framework agreement signed with IndiGrid in April 2019. This mega transmission project will help to deliver reliable power for 5.3 Crore people in India’s northeastern region.”
IndiGrid has acquired ~INR 83 Bn assets since the last capital raise including ~INR 71 Bn of Framework/ROFO projects from Sterlite Power and the first cost-plus transmission asset from Reliance Infrastructure. It has also announced its foray into the renewables sector with the planned acquisition of 138 MW solar assets worth INR 6.6 Bn. Separately, in FY21, KKR was inducted as a Sponsor following the INR 25.10 Bn preferential issue in 2019 which was subscribed by KKR and GIC amongst other marquee investors. KKR has also acquired a majority interest in the Investment Manager of IndiGrid.
