Two funds submit DEDDIE interest ahead of sale’s preliminary deadline

Two undisclosed funds have jumped the gun to submit non-binding, first-round expressions of interest for the sale of a 49 percent stake in distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO three days before a February 19 deadline, highlighting the heightened level of buyer interest that surrounds this privatization.

European and US investment teams, more so than network operators, have shown particular interest in the DEDDIE/HEDNO sale during its lead-up.

A market test in December revealed that 19 potential bidders include New York-based Blackrock, the world’ biggest investment fund, managing capital worth 7.8 trillion dollars; American giant KKR, handling 220 billion dollars; as well as French fund Ardian, one of Europe’s most dynamic, with involvement in over 150 enterprises and capital management worth more than 100 billion dollars.

Though it remains unknown if any of the aforementioned players were early birds, it has become very clear that funds will play a big role in this sale.

In an effort to add to the sale’s appeal, power utility PPC, DEDDIE/HEDNO’s parent company, has decided to bolster the 49 percent minority rights by offering potential buyers equal powers with PPC over crucial network operator decisions.

Between four and seven investment teams have displayed the greatest level of interest in the DEDDIE/HEDNO sale. Some of these teams are believed to be engaged in negotiations to establish new formations for this sale.