CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - April 9, 2014) -
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
TransAlta Renewables Inc. ("TransAlta Renewables") (TSX:RNW) and TransAlta Corporation ("TransAlta") (TSX:TA)(NYSE:TAC) today announced that they have entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters, co-led by CIBC and RBC Capital Markets, for a secondary offering (the "Offering"), on a bought deal basis, of 10,950,000 common shares of TransAlta Renewables at a price of $11.40 per Common Share. TransAlta Renewables will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of Common Shares held by TransAlta.
The underwriters have also been granted an option to purchase up to an additional 1,095,000 Common Shares at the offering price to cover over-allotments, if any, for additional gross proceeds of approximately $12,483,000. The over-allotment option is exercisable, in whole or in part, by the underwriters at any time up to 30 days following the closing of the Offering.
The proceeds from the Offering will be used by TransAlta to reduce indebtedness, to fund growth, and for general corporate purposes. Upon completion of the Offering, but before giving effect to the over-allotment option, TransAlta will own 71.2% of the Common Shares of TransAlta Renewables. TransAlta's interest will be reduced to approximately 70.2% if the over-allotment option is exercised in full.
"TransAlta remains committed to its on-going majority ownership in TransAlta Renewables," said Dawn Farrell, President and CEO of TransAlta Corp. "Today's financing is consistent with TransAlta's stated intention to utilize TransAlta Renewables as a source of capital. The transaction will increase the public float of TransAlta Renewables. We continue to actively evaluate and pursue growth opportunities for both TransAlta and TransAlta Renewables."
Completion of the Offering is subject to, and conditional upon, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including regulatory approvals. The Offering is expected to close on April 29, 2014.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Common Shares in any jurisdiction. The Common Shares offered have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or under an exemption of such registration.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements including but not limited to the completion of the Offering, the anticipated closing of the Offering and TransAlta's expected ownership level in TransAlta Renewables. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect TransAlta's current expectations concerning future plans, actions and results. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual plans, actions and results to differ materially from current expectations including, but not limited to, changes in economic and market conditions, and other risks and uncertainties discussed in TransAlta's and TransAlta Renewables' materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time and as also set forth in the final prospectus of TransAlta Renewables. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect TransAlta's and TransAlta Renewables' expectations only as of the date of this news release. TransAlta disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
About TransAlta
TransAlta is a power generation and wholesale marketing company focused on creating long-term shareholder value. TransAlta maintains a low-to-moderate risk profile by operating a highly contracted portfolio of assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. TransAlta's focus is to efficiently operate geothermal, wind, hydro, natural gas and coal facilities in order to provide customers with a reliable, low-cost source of power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud contributor to the communities in which it works and lives. TransAlta has been selected by Jantzi-Sustainalytics as one of Canada's Top 50 Socially Responsible Companies since 2009 and is recognized globally for its leadership on sustainability and corporate responsibility standards by FTSE4Good. TransAlta is Canada's largest investor-owned renewable energy provider.
About TransAlta Renewables
TransAlta Renewables owns 29 wind and hydroelectric power generation facilities, having an aggregate installed generating capacity of 1,376 MW, in which it holds a net ownership interest of approximately 1,255 MW. TransAlta Renewables' power generating capacity is among the largest of any publicly-traded renewable independent power producer ("IPP") in Canada, with more wind power generating capacity than any other Canadian publicly-traded IPP. TransAlta Renewables' strategy is focused on the efficient operation of its portfolio of renewable power generation assets and expanding its asset base through the acquisition of additional renewable power generation facilities in operation or under construction. TransAlta Renewables objective is to (i) create stable, consistent returns for investors through the ownership of contracted renewable power generation assets that provide stable cash flow through long-term power purchase agreements with creditworthy counterparties, including TransAlta; (ii) pursue and capitalize on strategic growth opportunities in the renewable power generation sector; and (iii) pay out a portion of cash available for distribution to the shareholders of TransAlta Renewables on a monthly basis.