Less Ads, More Data, More Tools Register for FREE

Williams attracts at least 7 bidders for Canadian unit -sources

Thu, 14th Jul 2016 18:20

* Sale could fetch $1 billion-$2 billion -sources

* Bidders include Enbridge, Pembina, CPPIB

By John Tilak

TORONTO, July 14 (Reuters) - Williams Cos Inc's Canadian unit has attracted at least seven bidders, includingEnbridge Inc and Pembina Pipeline Corp, thatcould bring the U.S. pipeline company up to $2 billion, peoplefamiliar with the situation said.

Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Williams, whose deal with EnergyTransfer Equity fell through last month, is working withBarclays Plc and Toronto Dominion Bank on thesale, the sources said.

Interest has come from pipeline companies Enbridge, Pembina,Keyera Corp and Inter Pipeline Ltd, said thesources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the processis private.

Pension funds including the Canada Pension Plan InvestmentBoard, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and the Ontario MunicipalEmployees Retirement System, as well as U.S. companies, alsoexpressed interest, the sources said.

Enbridge, Pembina, Keyera, Inter Pipeline, CPPIB and TDSecurities declined to comment. Williams, Teachers, OMERS andBarclays did not respond to requests for comment.

The Canadian unit could fetch more than $1 billion and asmuch as $2 billion, the sources said. The sale process forWilliams Canada is at an advanced stage, and a deal could resultby the end of the month, they said.

It is still not clear whether the buyers will be able tomatch the company's price expectations, one source said.

Earlier this month, Williams' board stood by Chief ExecutiveOfficer Alan Armstrong and named a new chairman after sixdirectors resigned following a failed attempt to unseat him.

With operations in Fort McMurray as well as Sturgeon Countynear Edmonton, Williams has invested more than $2 billion inCanada. In an undated video on its website, the company says itcould invest up to $2.8 billion in new Canadian projects.

Interest from buyers has been robust, the sources said,highlighting demand for midstream assets that offer a steadycash flow despite volatility in the price of oil. Midstreamcompanies are involved in the processing and transportation ofoil and gas.

The two-year slump in oil prices has hurt the Canadianenergy industry, weighing on production plans, driving downshare prices and triggering a range of cost-cutting measures.

CPPIB teamed up with Wolf Infrastructure Inc last year tocreate an investment vehicle focusing on energy infrastructureassets. (Additional reporting by Matt Scuffham in Toronto, Nia Williamsin Calgary, Mike Stone in New York; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)

Related Shares

More News
13 Jun 2024 09:37

LONDON BROKER RATINGS: Jefferies raises Great Portland to 'hold'

(Alliance News) - The following London-listed shares received analyst recommendations Thursday morning and on Wednesday:

13 Jun 2024 00:00

Revolut picks new Canary Wharf HQ as it expands headcount

LONDON, June 13 (Reuters) - Britain's Revolut is to become the first tenant in a newly refurbished building in London's Canary Wharf financial distr...

12 Jun 2024 08:47

TOP NEWS: National Grid gets 90% acceptances for GBP7 billion raise

(Alliance News) - National Grid PLC on Wednesday said it received acceptances for more than 90% of the new shares on offer as part of its GBP7.00 bill...

10 Jun 2024 15:36

Britain's payments industry calls for delay and cut in scam compensation rules

LONDON, June 10 (Reuters) - Britain's payments sector on Monday called on its regulator to roll back and delay by a year tough new compensation rule...

10 Jun 2024 14:07

Britain's payments industry calls for delay and cut in scam compensation rules

LONDON, June 10 (Reuters) - Britain's payments sector on Monday called on its regulator to roll back and delay by a year tough new compensation rule...

Login to your account

Don't have an account? Click here to register.

Quickpicks are a member only feature

Login to your account

Don't have an account? Click here to register.