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Hong Kong's CK Group to purchase N.Ireland natgas supplier for $945 mln

A consortium of Hong Kong's CK Infrastructure, CK Property, and Power Assets will acquire a Northern Ireland gas distribution network operator, Phoenix Energy, for an enterprise value of about HK$ 7.4 billion ($ 945.3 million).

The consortium will acquire Lionrai Investments No. 1, which owns Phoenix Energy, from NatWest Group Pension Fund and Utilities of Australia International, the group stated in a. statement on Wednesday.

The business worth comprises of equity value of 312.6. million pounds ($ 389.6 million) and a net financial obligation of 444.4 million. pounds, the group stated.

Billionaire Li Ka-shing's facilities flagship CK. Infrastructure and property arm CK Asset, will each hold 40% in. the consortium, while utility investment unit Power Assets will. own the staying 20% stake.

We are really pleased to get another quality asset. characterised by stable returns, Victor TK Li, chairman of CK. Facilities and CK Asset said in the statement.

Lionrai, the entity indirectly holding Phoenix Energy,

reported

an after-tax loss of 34.3 million pounds in 2021 and 13.6. million pounds in 2022. Its combined net property worth stood. at 84.4 million pounds at the end of 2022.

Phoenix Energy, developed in 1996, owns and operates. the largest natural gas circulation network in Northern. Ireland, according to its site, covering 78% of gas. connections and supplying services to 48% of the population in. the nation.

Shares of CK Facilities were trading 0.6% higher, while. both CK Possession and Power Assets were up 1.6%, as of 0400 GMT.