Black Hills Corp. acquires SourceGas

Black Hills Corp. announced on July 12 that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SourceGas Holdings LLC. SourceGas operates four regulated natural gas utilities serving approximately 425,000 customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming and a 512-mile regulated intrastate natural gas transmission pipeline in Colorado. Black Hills Corp. is acquiring SourceGas for total consideration of $1.89 billion.

The combined entity will serve more than 1.2 million electric and natural gas utility customers in 790 communities in eight Rocky Mountain and Midcontinent states. Black Hills Corp. will operate the acquired company under the name Black Hills Energy.

“This announcement delivers on our commitment to grow earnings and create long-term shareholder value,” said David R. Emery, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Black Hills Corp. “SourceGas is a great strategic fit, adding to our strong utility base and providing operational and financial benefits to all the customers and communities we serve. We are excited to significantly expand our presence in Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming, and look forward to serving customers and developing new relationships in Arkansas. The transaction continues our proven record of growth in the utility business through targeted acquisitions — over the last decade, we have successfully integrated 19 electric and natural gas systems in support of this growth strategy.”

The purchase of SourceGas unites two companies with above industry average growth rates. The combination enhances Black Hills’ operating scale, which will help drive more efficient delivery of utility services, thereby benefitting customers. The acquisition provides additional capital investment opportunities in growing service territories and the ability to share best practices in support of organic growth initiatives. SourceGas enjoys attractive regulatory constructs in all states, allowing for timely recovery of capital expenditures and fair and reasonable allowed returns on equity.

During the integration planning process, staffing and facility decisions will be made to best optimize the continued safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to customers.

The acquisition is expected to be completed in the first half of 2016. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals from the Arkansas Public Service Commission, Colorado Public Utilities Commission, Nebraska Public Service Commission and Wyoming Public Service Commission, and is also subject to the notification, clearance and reporting requirements under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.