The German government has started looking for buyers for its stake in the energy company “Uniper”, the value of which is estimated at $18.8 billion. About this informs Reuters.
After the nationalization of “Uniper” in 2022, caused by the energy crisis in Europe, the state owns 99.12% of the company’s shares. Currently, various options for reprivatization are being considered, including a partial sale of shares or their re-listing on the stock exchange. The most likely scenario is the sale of 25% of the shares, although a complete exit of the state from the shareholders is also not excluded.
Investment company “Brookfield” from New York is mentioned among potential buyers. If a full sale to a private investor takes place, it will be one of the biggest deals in Europe in recent years.
The German Ministry of Finance confirmed that it is considering all possible ways to reduce the state share, in particular through the sale of shares on the stock market. According to the requirements of the European Union, the state’s share in “Uniper” should be reduced to 25% plus one share by 2028.
To complete the deal, the German parliament must pass a law that will allow Uniper to resume the payment of dividends, suspended as part of the state aid received in the amount of 13.5 billion euros.
