NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF THAT JURISDICTION
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO RULE 2.7 OF THE IRISH TAKEOVER RULES
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
27 JULY 2026
RECOMMENDED ACQUISITION OF
DCC ENERGY PLC ("DCC Energy") BY
DRAGON BIDCO LIMITED ("Bidco")
a newly incorporated company indirectly wholly owned by: (i) funds and investment vehicles advised by Energy Capital Partners Management, LP and its affiliates, and (ii) funds and investment vehicles advised by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. and its affiliates
TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY WAY OF A SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT
UNDER CHAPTER 1 OF PART 9 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2014
Highlights
§ The boards of Bidco and DCC Energy are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended acquisition by Bidco of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of DCC Energy.
§ The terms of the Acquisition, which will be subject to the Conditions and further terms set out in this Announcement, represent a total value of up to 6,797.22 pence in cash (the "Total Offer Value") for each DCC Energy Share comprised of:
§ 6,525 pence in cash (the "Base Consideration");
§ the final dividend of 147.22 pence for the financial year ended 31 March 2026 (the "Final Dividend") paid on 23 July 2026 to DCC Energy Shareholders on DCC Energy's register of members at the close of business on 29 May 2026; and
§ subject to certain conditions, an additional payment of up to 125 pence in cash (the "Technology Disposal Additional Consideration").
§ The Base Consideration and Final Dividend together value DCC Energy's entire issued and to be issued share capital at approximately £5.75 billion and represent an attractive premium as follows:
§ 24% to DCC Energy's undisturbed Closing Price of 5,380 pence on the Undisturbed Date, which was also DCC Energy's 52-week high share price at the Undisturbed Date;
§ 33% to DCC Energy's volume-weighted average price of 5,004 pence per DCC Energy Share for the three-month period ended on the Undisturbed Date;
§ 36% to DCC Energy's volume-weighted average price of 4,907 pence per DCC Energy Share for the twelve-month period ended on the Undisturbed Date;
§ 11% to the median analyst twelve-month forward target price of 6,000 pence per DCC Energy Share as of the Undisturbed Date;
§ a value higher than DCC Energy's closing share price at any point over the last five years; and
§ a meaningful premium to DCC Energy's average trading multiple since setting out the updated strategy for DCC Energy in 2022.
§ If the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration is paid in full, the premium levels set out above would increase by approximately 2-3%.
§ The Technology Disposal Additional Consideration will depend on the potential sale by DCC Energy of the Nexora Business, for which DCC Energy is currently undertaking a sales process. While no binding agreement has been entered into in relation to the sale as at the date of this Announcement, DCC Energy may, prior to the Effective Date, agree and complete the Technology Disposal if it determines that such a sale is in the best interests of DCC Energy Shareholders, subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement and the Irish Takeover Rules.
§ In connection with any such Technology Disposal, DCC Energy Shareholders will, in addition to the Base Consideration, be entitled to receive the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration of up to 125 pence in cash per DCC Energy Share if the Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions are satisfied (or waived by Bidco at its sole discretion) before the Technology Disposal Long Stop Date. If the Technology Disposal Net Proceeds are between the Technology Disposal Hurdle and US$800 million, this amount will be between zero and 125 pence per share, calculated on a linear basis by reference to the amount of such Technology Disposal Net Proceeds. If the Technology Disposal Net Proceeds are greater than US$800 million, the maximum amount payable will be 125 pence per DCC Energy Share.
§ In calculating the Technology Disposal Net Proceeds, certain amounts comprising the Technology Disposal Proceeds Deductions shall be deducted. Technology Disposal Proceeds Deductions comprise adjustments, some of which will be material (including in respect of the cash on balance sheet of the Nexora Business at 31 March 2026), to the equity value of the Nexora Business to reflect the net cash proceeds to DCC Energy on completion of any sale. There can be no certainty, and no assurance is given, that any Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions will be satisfied or waived, or that any Technology Disposal Additional Consideration will become payable. Further details are set out in paragraph 3 (Details of the Technology Disposal and Technology Disposal Additional Consideration) and Appendix V to this Announcement.
§ As set out in further detail in paragraph 5 (DCC Energy Recommendation), the DCC Energy Board believes that the Acquisition represents a compelling and certain opportunity for DCC Energy Shareholders to realise value in cash today. Since DCC Energy announced an updated strategy for the Energy business in May 2022, with the ambition of doubling operating profit to £830 million by 2030[1] (the "2030 Ambition"), DCC Energy has delivered significant progress against the 2030 Ambition. DCC Energy has materially simplified the DCC Energy Group through the completed disposals of its former Healthcare and InfoTech businesses, and the Technology Disposal sale process is well-progressed. The DCC Energy Board remains confident in the standalone strategy, but recognises that delivering the remaining growth required to meet the 2030 Ambition would require sustained organic execution and successful M&A deployment against an uncertain macroeconomic, regulatory and energy transition backdrop. The DCC Energy Board has also taken into account that, despite extensive market engagement and the strategic progress made, DCC Energy has not sustainably re-rated in the public markets. Following a robust and lengthy negotiation with the Consortium, the DCC Energy Board considers that the Acquisition provides shareholders with an attractive premium, cash certainty and value at a level above that which DCC Energy has been able to achieve consistently in the public markets.
§ The DCC Energy Directors, who have been so advised by J.P. Morgan and UBS as to the financial terms of the Acquisition, consider the terms of the Acquisition as set out in this Announcement to be fair and reasonable. In providing their advice to the DCC Energy Board, J.P. Morgan and UBS have taken into account the commercial assessments of the DCC Energy Board. UBS is providing independent financial advice to the DCC Energy Directors for the purposes of Rule 3 of the Irish Takeover Rules.
§ The DCC Energy Board believes that the Acquisition is in the best interests of DCC Energy Shareholders and represents the most effective route to realise value for shareholders.
§ Accordingly, the DCC Energy Directors intend to recommend unanimously that DCC Energy Shareholders vote in favour of the Acquisition and all of the Resolutions.
Comments on the Acquisition
§ Commenting on the Acquisition, Mark Breuer, Chair of DCC Energy, said:
"Since setting out its new strategy in 2022, DCC Energy has successfully repositioned to become a simpler, leaner, and more focused business. This strategic clarity has laid the foundations for sustainable long-term value creation as a leading multi-energy solutions provider.
I would like to recognise the exceptional contribution of our colleagues across DCC Energy, whose dedication, insight and ingenuity have been instrumental in delivering that successful transformation.
Whilst the DCC Energy Board remains confident in the energy strategy and associated 2030 Ambition announced in 2022, the Board believes the Consortium's offer represents a compelling opportunity for shareholders to crystallise value in cash at an attractive premium to DCC Energy's historical trading price.
We are confident that the Consortium will be strong stewards of DCC Energy's 50-year heritage and support the business during its next phase of growth."
§ Commenting on the Acquisition, Francesco Ciabatti, Partner at ECP, said:
"ECP is excited to begin this long-term partnership with DCC Energy and its exceptional employees. We look forward to working with the DCC Energy team to build on its long history of providing high quality and dependable service to its millions of customers. ECP has spent two decades investing in complex global energy infrastructure businesses and looks forward to bringing that experience to bear for DCC Energy, working alongside our consortium partners and the DCC Energy team to support its strategic initiatives, development, growth and industry leadership."
§ Commenting on the Acquisition, Ryan Miller, Managing Director, Infrastructure, at KKR, said:
"DCC Energy has built a leading position in energy distribution, and its transition to a pure-play energy business further sharpens its strategy. The company is at an important moment, and delivering the next phase of this transition across a complex asset base will require significant operational transformation against the backdrop of a changing and volatile energy market. KKR has a long track record as an active owner in energy infrastructure and services, and we intend to draw on our global platform, operational expertise and sector experience to support DCC Energy's ambition to become a leading global energy business."
Irrevocable Undertakings
§ Bidco has received irrevocable undertakings from each of the DCC Energy Directors who hold, or hold interests over, DCC Energy Shares to vote (or, where applicable, procure the voting), in favour of the Resolutions at the Scheme Meeting and the EGM as applicable (or, if the Acquisition is implemented by way of a Takeover Offer, to accept or procure acceptance of such Takeover Offer) in respect of their own beneficial holdings over which those DCC Energy Directors have control over voting rights, comprising, in aggregate, 239,744 DCC Energy Shares (which in aggregate represent approximately 0.28% of the issued share capital of DCC Energy as of the Latest Practicable Date).
§ Further details of these irrevocable undertakings, including the circumstances in which they may lapse, are set out in paragraph 6 (Irrevocable Undertakings) and Appendix II to this Announcement.
Timetable and Conditions
§ It is intended that the Acquisition will be implemented by way of a High Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Chapter 1 of Part 9 of the Act (or, if Bidco elects, subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, compliance with the Irish Takeover Rules and with the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel, a Takeover Offer).
§ Under the terms of the Scheme, Bidco will pay the Cash Consideration to the Scheme Shareholders in consideration of either the cancellation of their Cancellation Shares or (in the case of the Scheme Shareholders holding Transfer Shares) the transfer to Bidco of the Transfer Shares. If the Scheme is implemented, at the Effective Time, all Cancellation Shares will be cancelled and any Transfer Shares will be transferred to Bidco in accordance with the Scheme. In respect of the Cancellation Shares, DCC Energy will issue to Bidco such number of new DCC Energy Shares as is equal to the number of Cancellation Shares cancelled. As a result of these arrangements, DCC Energy will become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Bidco.
§ If on, or after, the date of this Announcement and prior to the Effective Time, any dividend and/or other distribution and/or other return of capital is announced, declared, made or paid or becomes payable in respect of the DCC Energy Shares, Bidco reserves the right to reduce the Base Consideration by an amount per DCC Energy Share up to the amount of such dividend and/or distribution and/or return of capital, in which case any reference in this Announcement or the Scheme Document to the Base Consideration will be deemed to be a reference to the Base Consideration as so reduced.
§ The Acquisition is conditional on, among other things:
§ the approval of the Scheme by members of each class of DCC Energy Shareholders present and voting, either in person or by proxy, at the Scheme Meeting(s) representing, at the Voting Record Time, at least three-fourths (75%) in value of the DCC Energy Shares of that class held by such DCC Energy Shareholders present and voting;
§ the EGM Resolutions being duly passed by the requisite majority of DCC Energy Shareholders at the EGM;
§ the Scheme being sanctioned by the High Court (with or without material modification, but subject to any such modification being acceptable to each of Bidco and DCC Energy); and
§ the High Court having confirmed the related reduction of capital.
§ The Scheme must become Effective by no later than 23:59 (London time) on the End Date.
§ The Scheme is also subject to the satisfaction (or, where applicable, waiver) of the other Conditions to, and certain further terms of, the Acquisition and the Scheme set out in Appendix I to this Announcement. The Scheme Document will contain the full terms of the Scheme, the notices convening the Scheme Meeting(s) and the EGM and the expected timetable for completion of the Acquisition, and will specify the action to be taken by DCC Energy Shareholders to vote on the Resolutions.
§ The Scheme Document will be sent (together, where relevant, with the relevant forms of proxy) as soon as practicable and, in any event, within 28 calendar days after the date of this Announcement (save with the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel) to DCC Energy Shareholders and, for information only, to DCC Energy Participants.
§ It is expected that the Scheme Meeting and the EGM will be held as soon as is practicable in September 2026. The Scheme is expected to become Effective in Q1 2027, subject to the satisfaction or (where applicable) waiver of the Conditions set out in Appendix I to this Announcement.
Information relating to ECP, KKR and Bidco
Information relating to ECP
§ ECP, founded in 2005, is a leading equity and credit investor across energy transition infrastructure, with a focus on investing in electricity and sustainability infrastructure providing reliable, affordable and clean energy. ECP combines deep domain expertise with a value-added, operationally focused investment approach. Since inception, ECP has secured more than US$40 billion in capital commitments from institutional investors globally. ECP is the infrastructure investment platform of Bridgepoint Group Plc (LSE: BPT.L), a London-listed global leader in middle-market private equity, credit, infrastructure and secondaries. Together, they manage approximately US$98 billion in combined assets under management.
§ ECP is among the most active investors in North American and UK energy infrastructure across the energy value chain, including renewables, environmental infrastructure, natural gas marketing, and downstream infrastructure. Over the course of ECP's history, it has invested over US$23 billion in clean energy assets, utilising a partnership-led approach to better position businesses for the energy transition and future growth initiatives.
§ ECP's current and realised portfolio of UK investments includes Grain LNG, Europe's largest LNG regasification terminal; Biffa, a leading integrated waste management and circular economy business; Atlantica, an owner and operator of a large, diversified portfolio of contracted renewable and power assets; and Triton Power Partners, a portfolio of natural gas power generation assets in the UK.
Information relating to KKR
§ KKR is a leading global investment firm with US$758 billion in assets under management as of 31 March 2026. With 50 years of experience, KKR invests globally across infrastructure, real estate, private equity and credit, and also offers capital markets and insurance solutions.
§ KKR has significant experience and deep roots in infrastructure investing. KKR established its Global Infrastructure strategy in 2008 and has since been one of the most active private infrastructure investors around the world with a team of approximately 160 dedicated infrastructure executives. As of 31 March 2026, KKR's infrastructure platform had approximately US$107 billion in assets under management. KKR will invest in the Acquisition primarily through its Global Infrastructure strategy.
§ KKR is a long-standing investor in the energy sector, having deployed more than US$57 billion (£43 billion) of equity globally into related investments since 2008. KKR has an extensive track record of investing in leading energy and energy distribution businesses and working collaboratively to scale them as global leaders and further their transition strategies.
§ The Acquisition further builds on KKR's presence and investment activity in the UK and Ireland, where KKR has a long track record and employs over 650 executives. KKR has been investing in the UK for thirty years with a permanent presence and local investment professionals since the opening of the firm's London office in 1999. KKR has invested approximately US$37 billion (£28 billion) of equity through its infrastructure, real estate and private equity strategies in the UK and Ireland, completing over 70 transactions. In Ireland, KKR has maintained a prominent local presence through its Dublin office since 2014.
§ In the UK and Ireland, KKR's infrastructure investments in energy and energy services businesses include ContourGlobal, John Laing, Smart Metering Systems, Viridor, and Zenobē. Globally, KKR's investments include Avantus, CleanPeak Energy, Encavis, GreenVolt, IGNIS P2X, Port Arthur LNG, Sempra Infrastructure, Serentica Renewables and Zenith Energy, among others.
Information relating to Bidco
§ Bidco is a private company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Ireland for the purpose of implementing the Acquisition and is indirectly wholly owned by ECP and KKR. Bidco has not traded since its date of incorporation, nor has it entered into any obligations other than in connection with the Acquisition. Further details in relation to Bidco will be contained in the Scheme Document.
Information relating to DCC Energy
§ DCC Energy is a leader in multi-energy sales and distribution in Europe and the US. The DCC Energy Group serves millions of customers across the commercial & industrial, public and domestic sectors. DCC Energy delivers mainly off-grid energy solutions, led by liquid gas, and operates service stations and fleet services. The DCC Energy Group supplies the secure, cleaner and competitive energy that customers need, supporting industrial processes, heating homes, and keeping transport moving. DCC Energy does this while supporting customers through the transition with the energy and services they need next.
§ DCC Energy is a public limited company incorporated in Ireland. DCC Energy Shares are listed on the Official List and admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DCC). DCC Energy is a constituent of the FTSE 100. In its financial year ended 31 March 2026, DCC Energy generated revenues of £15.4 billion and adjusted operating profit of £634.0 million. DCC Energy has an excellent record, delivering compound annual growth of 14% in adjusted operating profit and unbroken dividend growth of 13% while maintaining high returns on capital employed over 32 years as a public company.
This summary should be read in conjunction with, and is subject to, the full text of this Announcement and its appendices.
The Conditions to, and certain further terms of, the Acquisition and the Scheme are set out in Appendix I to this Announcement. The Acquisition and the Scheme will also be subject to further terms to be set out in the Scheme Document.
Certain terms used in this Announcement are defined in Appendix III to this Announcement. Appendix II contains further details of the irrevocable undertakings and Appendix IV sets out certain sources of information and bases of calculation contained in this Announcement. Appendix V sets out further particulars relating to the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration.
Enquiries
|
Consortium
FGS Global (Communications Adviser to the Consortium) James Murgatroyd Faeth Birch Alastair Elwen Sophia Johnston |
ECPKKRConsortium@fgsglobal.com |
|
DCC Energy Conor Murphy, Chief Financial Officer |
Tel: +353 1 2799 400 |
|
Sodali & Co (Communications Adviser to DCC Energy) Eavan Gannon
|
dccenergy@info.sodali.com |
Goldman Sachs International and Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc are acting as lead financial advisers to the Consortium and Bidco. Barclays Bank PLC acting through its Investment Bank and BNP Paribas are acting as financial advisers to the Consortium and Bidco.
J.P. Morgan Cazenove is acting as financial adviser and corporate broker to DCC Energy. UBS is acting as financial adviser and corporate broker to DCC Energy. J&E Davy is acting as corporate broker to DCC Energy.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher UK LLP is acting as English legal adviser to KKR and Bidco. Latham & Watkins (London) LLP is acting as English legal adviser to ECP and Bidco. Matheson LLP is acting as Irish legal adviser to ECP and Bidco. Arthur Cox LLP is acting as Irish legal adviser to KKR. Kirkland & Ellis International LLP is acting as legal adviser to Bidco in respect of the debt financing.
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and William Fry LLP are, respectively, acting as English and Irish legal advisers to DCC Energy.
Inside Information
This Announcement contains inside information and has been issued pursuant to Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 16 April 2014 on Market Abuse as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended from time to time. The date and time of this Announcement is the same date and time that it has been communicated to the media. The person responsible for arranging the release of this Announcement on behalf of DCC Energy is Darragh Byrne, Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel of DCC Energy.
Statements required by the Irish Takeover Rules
The ECP Responsible Persons accept responsibility for the information contained in this Announcement, other than information relating to: (i) DCC Energy, the DCC Energy Group, the DCC Energy Directors and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; and (ii) KKR, the KKR Responsible Persons and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the ECP Responsible Persons (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this Announcement for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
The KKR Responsible Persons accept responsibility for the information contained in this Announcement, other than information relating to: (i) DCC Energy, the DCC Energy Group, the DCC Energy Directors and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; and (ii) ECP, the ECP Responsible Persons and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the KKR Responsible Persons (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this Announcement for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
The Bidco Directors accept responsibility for the information contained in this Announcement, other than information relating to: (i) DCC Energy, the DCC Energy Group, the DCC Energy Directors and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; (ii) ECP, the ECP Responsible Persons and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; and (iii) KKR, the KKR Responsible Persons and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the Bidco Directors (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this Announcement for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
The DCC Energy Directors accept responsibility for the information contained in this Announcement, other than information relating to: (i) Bidco, the Bidco Group, the Bidco Directors and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; (ii) ECP, the ECP Responsible Persons and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; (iii) KKR, the KKR Responsible Persons and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; and (iv) the Consortium. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the DCC Energy Directors (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this Announcement for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
Important notices relating to financial advisers
J.P. Morgan Securities plc, which conducts its UK investment banking business as J.P. Morgan Cazenove ("J.P. Morgan"), and which is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Prudential Regulation Authority (the "PRA") and regulated in the United Kingdom by the PRA and the Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA"), is acting as financial adviser exclusively to DCC Energy and for no one else in connection with the Acquisition and will not be responsible to anyone other than DCC Energy in respect of protections that may be afforded to clients of J.P. Morgan nor for providing advice in connection with the Acquisition or any matter referred to herein. Neither J.P. Morgan nor any of its affiliates (nor their respective directors, officers, employees or agents) owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of J.P. Morgan in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein, the Acquisition or otherwise. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by J.P. Morgan as to the contents of this Announcement.
UBS AG London Branch ("UBS") is authorised and regulated by the Financial Market Supervisory Authority in Switzerland. It is authorised by the PRA and subject to regulation by the FCA and limited regulation by the PRA in the United Kingdom. UBS is acting exclusively as financial adviser to DCC Energy and no one else in connection with the Acquisition. In connection with such matters, UBS will not regard any other person as its client, nor will it be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in relation to the Acquisition, the contents of this Announcement or any other matter referred to herein.
J&E Davy ("Davy"), which is authorised and regulated in Ireland by the Central Bank of Ireland and in the United Kingdom is authorised and regulated by the FCA, is acting exclusively for DCC Energy and no one else in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than DCC Energy for providing the protections afforded to clients of Davy or for providing advice in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement.
Goldman Sachs International ("Goldman Sachs"), which is authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively as financial adviser to the Consortium and Bidco, and for no one else in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Consortium or Bidco for providing the protections afforded to clients of Goldman Sachs, or for providing advice in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement. Neither Goldman Sachs nor any of Goldman Sachs' subsidiaries, affiliates or branches owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct, indirect, consequential, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Goldman Sachs in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc ("Morgan Stanley"), which is authorised by the PRA and regulated by the PRA and the FCA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively as financial adviser to the Consortium and Bidco, and for no one else in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement and neither Morgan Stanley nor any of its affiliates, nor their respective directors, officers, employees or agents will be responsible to anyone other than the Consortium or Bidco for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in relation to the possible Acquisition, the contents of this Announcement or any other matters referred to in this Announcement. Neither Morgan Stanley, its affiliates nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees and agents owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Morgan Stanley in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.
Barclays Bank PLC, acting through its Investment Bank ("Barclays"), which is authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for the Consortium and Bidco and no one else in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Consortium or Bidco for providing the protections afforded to clients of Barclays nor for providing advice in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement. Neither Barclays nor any of Barclays' subsidiaries, affiliates or branches owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct, indirect, consequential, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Barclays in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.
BNP Paribas ("BNP Paribas") is authorised and regulated by the European Central Bank and the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution. BNP Paribas is authorised by the PRA and is subject to regulation by the FCA and limited regulation by the PRA. Details about the extent of BNP Paribas' regulation by the PRA are available from BNP Paribas on request. BNP Paribas has its registered office at 16 Boulevard des Italiens, 75009 Paris, France and is registered with the Companies Registry of Paris under number 662 042 449 RCS and has ADEME identification number FR200182_01XHWE. BNP Paribas London Branch is registered in the UK under number FC13447 and UK establishment number BR000170, and its UK establishment office address is 10 Harewood Avenue, London NW1 6AA. BNP Paribas is acting as financial adviser exclusively for the Consortium and Bidco and no one else in connection with the matters described in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Consortium or Bidco for providing the protections afforded to clients of BNP Paribas or for providing advice in relation to the matters described in this Announcement or any transaction or arrangement referred to herein.
No Offer or Solicitation
This Announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to, and does not, constitute or form any part of any offer or invitation, or the solicitation of an offer, to purchase or otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to the Acquisition or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.
The Acquisition will be made solely by means of the Scheme Document (or, if applicable, the Takeover Offer Document), which will contain the full terms and conditions of the Acquisition, including details of how to vote in respect of the Acquisition. Any decision in respect of, or other response to, the Acquisition, should be made only on the basis of the information contained in the Scheme Document (or, if applicable, the Takeover Offer Document).
This Announcement does not constitute a prospectus or a prospectus equivalent document.
If you are in any doubt about the contents of this Announcement or the action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own independent financial advice immediately from your appropriately authorised independent financial adviser.
Notice to U.S. Shareholders in DCC Energy
The Acquisition relates to the shares of an Irish company and is being made by means of a scheme of arrangement provided for under the Act. A transaction effected by means of a scheme of arrangement is not subject to the tender offer or proxy solicitation rules under the U.S. Exchange Act. Accordingly, the Acquisition is subject to the disclosure requirements and practices applicable in Ireland for a public acquisition by scheme of arrangement, which differ from the disclosure requirements of the U.S. tender offer and proxy solicitation rules.
The financial information included in this Announcement has been prepared in accordance with IFRS and thus may not be comparable to financial information of U.S. companies or companies whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
It may be difficult for holders of DCC Energy Shares in the United States (the "U.S. shareholders") to enforce any rights or claims arising out of U.S. federal securities laws in connection with the Acquisition, since Bidco and DCC Energy are organised and located in non-U.S. jurisdictions, and some or all of their officers and directors may be residents of non-U.S. jurisdictions. U.S. shareholders may not be able to sue a non-U.S. company or its officers or directors in a non-U.S. court for violations of U.S. securities laws. Further, it may be difficult to compel a non-U.S. company and its affiliates to subject themselves to the jurisdiction and judgment of a U.S. court.
U.S. shareholders also should be aware that the transaction contemplated herein may have tax consequences in the United States and that such consequences, if any, are not described herein. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult with legal, tax and financial advisers.
In accordance with, and to the extent permitted by, the Irish Takeover Rules and normal Irish and UK market practice and Rule 14e-5(b) of the U.S. Exchange Act, J.P. Morgan, UBS, Davy, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Barclays and BNP Paribas and their respective affiliates may continue to act as exempt principal traders or exempt market makers in DCC Energy Shares on the London Stock Exchange and may engage in certain other purchasing activities consistent with their respective usual practices and applicable law. In addition, in compliance with the Irish Takeover Rules, members of the Bidco Group, certain affiliates or their respective nominees or brokers (acting as agents) may from time to time make certain purchases of, or arrangements to purchase, DCC Energy securities other than pursuant to the Acquisition, either in the open market at prevailing prices or through privately negotiated purchases at negotiated prices.
Any information about such purchases will be disclosed to the Irish Takeover Panel and, to the extent that such information is required to be publicly disclosed in Ireland in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, will be made available via a Regulatory Information Service on the London Stock Exchange's website, www.londonstockexchange.com. This information will also be publicly disclosed in the United States to the extent that such information is made public in Ireland.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Announcement contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to Bidco, ECP, KKR and DCC Energy. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as "anticipate", "target", "expect", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "prepare", "believe", "will", "may", "would", "could" or "should" or other words of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements include statements relating to the following: (i) future capital expenditures, expenses, revenues, budgets, economic performance, financial conditions, dividend policy, losses and future prospects; (ii) business and management strategies and the expansion and growth of the operations of members of the Bidco Group, ECP, KKR or the DCC Energy Group; and (iii) the effects of government regulation on the business of members of the Bidco Group, ECP, KKR or the DCC Energy Group.
These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of any such person, or industry results, to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the present and future business strategies of such persons and the environment in which each will operate in the future. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All subsequent oral or written forward-looking statements attributable to Bidco, ECP, KKR or DCC Energy (or any member of the Bidco Group or the DCC Energy Group) or any persons acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement above. Neither Bidco, ECP, KKR nor DCC Energy (nor any member of the Bidco Group or the DCC Energy Group) undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise forward-looking or other statements contained in this Announcement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required.
Disclosure requirements of the Irish Takeover Rules
Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Irish Takeover Rules, any person 'interested' (directly or indirectly) in 1% or more of any class of 'relevant securities' of DCC Energy must disclose all 'dealings' in such 'relevant securities' during the 'offer period'. The disclosure of a 'dealing' in 'relevant securities' by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This requirement will continue until the 'offer period' ends. If two or more persons co-operate on the basis of any agreement either express or tacit, either oral or written, to acquire an 'interest' in 'relevant securities' of the offeree company, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3 of the Irish Takeover Rules. A dealing disclosure must contain the details specified in Rule 8.6(b) of the Irish Takeover Rules, including details of the dealing concerned and of the person's interests and short positions in any 'relevant securities' of DCC Energy.
All 'dealings' in 'relevant securities' of DCC Energy by Bidco, or by any party Acting in Concert with Bidco, must also be disclosed by no later than 12.00 p.m. (London time) on the business day following the date of the relevant transaction. If two or more persons co-operate on the basis of an agreement, either express or tacit, either oral or written, to acquire for one or more of them an interest in relevant securities, they will be deemed to be a single person for these purposes.
Disclosure tables, giving details of the companies in whose 'relevant securities' and 'dealings' should be disclosed, can be found on the Irish Takeover Panel's website at www.irishtakeoverpanel.ie.
'Interests' in securities arise, in summary, when a person has long economic exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an 'interest' by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities.
If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required to disclose a dealing under Rule 8, please consult the Irish Takeover Panel's website at www.irishtakeoverpanel.ie or contact the Irish Takeover Panel on telephone number +353 1 678 9020.
Terms in quotation marks in this section are defined in the Irish Takeover Rules, which can also be found on the Irish Takeover Panel's website.
No profit forecast or estimate
No statement in this Announcement is intended as a profit forecast or estimate for any period and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings or earnings per share, for Bidco, ECP, KKR or DCC Energy, respectively for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed any historical published earnings or earnings per share for Bidco, ECP, KKR or DCC Energy respectively. No statement in this Announcement constitutes an estimate of the anticipated financial effects of the Acquisition.
Right to switch to a Takeover Offer
Bidco reserves the right to elect, subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, compliance with the Irish Takeover Rules and with the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel (if required), to implement the Acquisition by way of a Takeover Offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of DCC Energy (other than any Excluded Shares) as an alternative to the Scheme. In such an event, the Takeover Offer will be implemented on terms at least as favourable to DCC Energy Shareholders (subject to appropriate amendments), so far as applicable, as those which would apply to the Scheme and subject to the amendments referred to in Appendix I to this Announcement and in the Transaction Agreement.
Publication on website
Pursuant to Rule 26.1 of the Irish Takeover Rules, this Announcement will be made available, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted Jurisdictions, on the Acquisition Websites, in each case by no later than 12.00 p.m. (London time) on the Business Day following the date of this Announcement. Neither the content of any such website, nor the content of any other website accessible from hyperlinks on such website, is incorporated into, or forms part of, this Announcement.
Availability of hard copies
Any DCC Energy Shareholder or DCC Energy Participant may request a copy of this Announcement in hard copy form by submitting a request in writing to Company Secretary, DCC Energy plc, Leopardstown Road, Foxrock, Dublin 18, Ireland or by email to companysecretary@dcc.ie or by calling telephone number +353 (01) 279 9400 between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. (London time), Monday to Friday (excluding Irish public holidays). Any written requests must include the identity of the DCC Energy Shareholder or DCC Energy Participant (as applicable) and hard copy documents will be posted to the address of the DCC Energy Shareholder or DCC Energy Participant provided in the written request.
A hard copy of this Announcement will not be sent to any DCC Energy Shareholder or DCC Energy Participant unless such a request is made. Any DCC Energy Shareholder or DCC Energy Participant making any such request may also request that all future documents, announcements and information required to be sent to that person by DCC Energy or Bidco, as the case may be, in relation to the Acquisition should be sent by DCC Energy or Bidco to that person in hard copy form.
Rounding
Certain figures included in this Announcement have been subjected to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown for the same category presented in different tables or forms may vary slightly and figures shown as totals in certain tables or forms may not be an exact arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.
General
The laws of certain jurisdictions may affect the availability of the Acquisition to persons who are not resident in Ireland or the United Kingdom. Persons who are not resident in Ireland or the United Kingdom, or who are subject to the laws of any jurisdiction other than Ireland or the United Kingdom, should inform themselves about, and observe, any applicable legal or regulatory requirements. Any failure to comply with any applicable legal or regulatory requirements may constitute a violation of the laws and / or regulations of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons involved in the Acquisition disclaim any responsibility and liability for the violation of such restrictions by any person. Further details in relation to Overseas Shareholders will be contained in the Scheme Document.
This Announcement has been prepared for the purpose of complying with the laws of Ireland and the Irish Takeover Rules and the information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been disclosed if this Announcement had been prepared in accordance with the laws of jurisdictions outside of Ireland.
The Acquisition will not be made available, directly or indirectly, in any Restricted Jurisdiction, and the proposed terms of the Acquisition will not be capable of acceptance from within a Restricted Jurisdiction. The release, publication or distribution of this Announcement in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in, into or from certain jurisdictions may be restricted by the laws of those jurisdictions. Accordingly, copies of this Announcement and all other documents relating to the Acquisition are not being, and must not be, released, published, mailed or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in, into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction. Persons receiving such documents (including, without limitation, nominees, trustees and custodians) should observe these restrictions. Failure to do so may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Bidco, ECP, KKR and DCC Energy disclaim any responsibility or liability for the violations of any such restrictions by any person.
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF THAT JURISDICTION
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO RULE 2.7 OF THE IRISH TAKEOVER RULES
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
27 JULY 2026
RECOMMENDED ACQUISITION OF
DCC ENERGY PLC ("DCC Energy")
BY DRAGON BIDCO LIMITED ("Bidco")
a newly incorporated company indirectly wholly owned by: (i) funds and investment vehicles advised by Energy Capital Partners Management, LP and its affiliates, and (ii) funds and investment vehicles advised by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. and its affiliates
TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY WAY OF A SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT
UNDER CHAPTER 1 OF PART 9 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2014
1 Introduction
The boards of Bidco and DCC Energy are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended acquisition by Bidco of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of DCC Energy.
2 Summary Terms of the Acquisition
The Acquisition is subject to the Conditions set out in Appendix I to this Announcement and other terms set out in this Announcement and to be set out in the Scheme Document.
The terms of the Acquisition, which will be subject to the Conditions and further terms set out in this Announcement, represent a total value of up to 6,797.22 pence in cash (the "Total Offer Value") for each DCC Energy Share comprised of:
§ 6,525 pence in cash (the "Base Consideration");
§ the final dividend of 147.22 pence for the financial year ended 31 March 2026 (the "Final Dividend") paid on 23 July 2026 to DCC Energy Shareholders on DCC Energy's register of members at the close of business on 29 May 2026; and
§ subject to certain conditions, an additional payment of up to 125 pence in cash (the "Technology Disposal Additional Consideration").
The Base Consideration and Final Dividend together value DCC Energy's entire issued and to be issued share capital at approximately £5.75 billion and represent an attractive premium as follows:
§ 24% to DCC Energy's undisturbed Closing Price of 5,380 pence on the Undisturbed Date, which was also DCC Energy's 52-week high share price at the Undisturbed Date;
§ 33% to DCC Energy's volume-weighted average price of 5,004 pence per DCC Energy Share for the three-month period ended on the Undisturbed Date;
§ 36% to DCC Energy's volume-weighted average price of 4,907 pence per DCC Energy Share for the twelve-month period ended on the Undisturbed Date;
§ 11% to the median analyst twelve-month forward target price of 6,000 pence per DCC Energy Share as of the Undisturbed Date;
§ a value higher than DCC Energy's closing share price at any point over the last five years; and
§ a meaningful premium to DCC Energy's average trading multiple since setting out the updated strategy for DCC Energy in 2022.
If the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration is paid in full, the premium levels set out above would increase by approximately 2-3%.
Details of the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration are set out further in paragraph 3 (Details of the Technology Disposal and Technology Disposal Additional Consideration) and Appendix V to this Announcement.
If on, or after, the date of this Announcement and prior to the Effective Time, any dividend and/or other distribution and/or other return of capital is announced, declared, made or paid or becomes payable in respect of the DCC Energy Shares, Bidco reserves the right to reduce the Base Consideration by an amount per DCC Energy Share up to the amount of such dividend and/or distribution and/or return of capital, in which case any reference in this Announcement or the Scheme Document to the Base Consideration will be deemed to be a reference to the Base Consideration as so reduced.
It is intended that the Acquisition will be implemented by means of a High Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Chapter 1 of Part 9 of the Act (or, if Bidco elects, subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, compliance with the Irish Takeover Rules and with the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel, a Takeover Offer). The Acquisition and the Scheme are subject to the Conditions and certain further terms which are set out in Appendix I to this Announcement and which will be set out in the Scheme Document. The Acquisition and the Scheme will also be subject to the further terms to be set out in the Scheme Document.
The sources and bases of information contained in this Announcement to calculate the implied value of the Acquisition are set out in Appendix IV to this Announcement.
3 Details of the Technology Disposal and Technology Disposal Additional Consideration
Technology Disposal
DCC Energy is currently undertaking a sales process for the Nexora Business. While no binding agreement has been entered into in relation to the sale as at the date of this Announcement, DCC Energy may, prior to the Effective Date, agree and complete the Technology Disposal if it determines that such a sale is in the best interests of DCC Energy Shareholders, subject to compliance with the Transaction Agreement and the Irish Takeover Rules.
In addition to the Base Consideration, DCC Energy and the Consortium have agreed that DCC Energy Shareholders will be entitled to receive an amount equal to the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration if the following conditions are satisfied (or waived by Bidco at its sole discretion) before the Technology Disposal Long Stop Date:
§ a Technology Disposal Agreement having been entered into and not having been terminated before the Effective Date;
§ the Acquisition having become Effective;
§ the Technology Disposal Completion having occurred by the Technology Disposal Long Stop Date (being 31 July 2027);
§ the Technology Disposal Net Proceeds exceeding the Technology Disposal Hurdle;
§ a member or members of the DCC Energy Retained Group (or after the Effective Date, a member of the Combined Group) having received (whether by payment in cash in USD or by settlement) the Technology Disposal Proceeds; and
§ the Relevant Technology Disposal Amounts having been determined pursuant to paragraph 7 of Schedule 6 of the Transaction Agreement,
(the "Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions").
If any of the Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions are not satisfied (or waived by Bidco at its sole discretion) prior to the Technology Disposal Long Stop Date, DCC Energy Shareholders will not receive any Technology Disposal Additional Consideration.
The Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions relate to whether DCC Energy Shareholders will be entitled to receive, and Bidco shall be required to pay, the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration. The Acquisition is not conditional upon the satisfaction of the Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions.
Amount and Determination of the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration
Amount
The maximum Technology Disposal Additional Consideration payable per DCC Energy Share is 125 pence. The minimum Technology Disposal Additional Consideration payable per DCC Energy Share is zero.
The Technology Disposal Additional Consideration shall be an amount per DCC Energy Share equal to the Technology Disposal Per Share Amount, so that, by way of example, the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration payable per DCC Energy Share would be:
§ 125 pence if the Technology Disposal Net Proceeds are equal to or greater than US$800 million,
§ nil if the Technology Disposal Net Proceeds are equal to or less than the Technology Disposal Hurdle; and
§ an amount between zero and 125 pence, calculated on a linear basis, if the Technology Disposal Net Proceeds are between the Technology Disposal Hurdle and US$800 million.
In calculating the Technology Disposal Net Proceeds, certain amounts comprising the Technology Disposal Proceeds Deductions shall be deducted. Technology Disposal Proceeds Deductions comprise adjustments, some of which will be material (including in respect of the cash on balance sheet of the Nexora Business at 31 March 2026), to the equity value of the Nexora Business to reflect the net cash proceeds to DCC Energy on completion of any sale.
The Irish Takeover Panel has agreed that Bidco and DCC Energy may redact certain details of the Transaction Agreement relating to the Technology Disposal, in light of the commercial sensitivity of that information for the ongoing sales process. Bidco and DCC Energy will provide a further update in due course.
Determination
The Technology Disposal Additional Consideration, if payable, shall be determined in the manner set out below:
§ If a Technology Disposal Completion occurs prior to the Effective Date, the Relevant Technology Disposal Amounts shall be as agreed between DCC Energy and Bidco in the manner set out in the Transaction Agreement prior to the Effective Date and binding on Bidco.
§ If a Technology Disposal Completion occurs on or after the Effective Date, the Relevant Technology Disposal Amounts shall be determined by the Technology Disposal Committee in the manner set out in the Transaction Agreement and binding on Bidco.
§ If the Relevant Technology Disposal Amounts are not agreed as set out above (a "Deadlock"), and are not resolved within five (5) Business Days of the Deadlock arising, the matter shall be referred to the Expert for a final and binding determination of the Relevant Technology Disposal Amounts in accordance with the Transaction Agreement.
Payment of the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration
Subject to satisfaction (or waiver by Bidco at its sole discretion) of all of the Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions, Bidco shall pay, or procure the payment of, the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration as follows:
§ if the Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions are satisfied (or waived by Bidco at its sole discretion) on or prior to the Effective Date, the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration shall be paid not later than fourteen (14) days following the Effective Date; and
§ if the Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions are satisfied (or waived by Bidco at its sole discretion) after the Effective Date, the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration shall be paid not later than fourteen (14) days following the Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions having been satisfied (or waived by Bidco at its sole discretion),
in each case, in accordance with, and pursuant to, the terms and conditions of the Scheme (or, if the Acquisition is implemented by way of a Takeover Offer in accordance with, and pursuant to, the terms and conditions of the Takeover Offer).
The payment of the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration by Bidco shall not result in any adjustment to the Base Consideration payable in respect of the Acquisition.
Exchange Rate
Where any amount relating to the Technology Disposal and the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration is in any currency other than USD and it needs to be converted into USD for the purposes of calculating the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration (including related concepts) such amount shall be converted into USD (as applicable) at the Exchange Rate.
Announcement obligations
If a Technology Disposal Agreement is entered into, materially varied or terminated or if the Technology Disposal Completion occurs, in each case prior to the Effective Date, as soon as practicable and within two Business Days, DCC Energy shall, following consultation with Bidco, make an announcement via a Regulatory Information Service setting out key particulars of the Technology Disposal Agreement, its variation or termination and the consequences to the DCC Energy Shareholders, as applicable.
If the Technology Disposal Completion occurs on or after the Effective Date, Bidco shall make an announcement via a Regulatory Information Service setting out the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration payable to the DCC Energy Shareholders and timing for such payment, within two Business Days following the date on which a member of the Combined Group receives the Technology Disposal Proceeds. If no Technology Disposal Additional Consideration will be payable to the DCC Energy Shareholders, Bidco shall state that in such announcement.
Bidco and/or DCC Energy, as applicable, shall make any announcement as required by the Irish Takeover Panel in connection with the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration via a Regulatory Information Service.
Non-transferable
The entitlement to receive the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration may not be transferred, in whole or in part, other than in respect of a Permitted Transfer. Any attempted transfer of the entitlement to receive the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration, in whole or in part, in contravention of this restriction shall be of no effect.
Other terms
Certain further particulars of the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration are set out in Appendix V to this Announcement.
The entitlement of the eligible DCC Energy Shareholders to receive the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration will be conditional on the satisfaction (or waiver by Bidco in its sole discretion) of all of the Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions. There is no certainty and there can be no assurance that all or any Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions will be satisfied or waived, or that all or any of the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration will become payable. If any of the Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions are not satisfied (or waived by Bidco at its sole discretion) by the Technology Disposal Long Stop Date, the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration will be zero.
The Technology Disposal Additional Consideration is non-transferable (other than pursuant to a Permitted Transfer) and an unsecured obligation of Bidco to make (subject to the satisfaction of the Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions) a one-off cash payment to all eligible DCC Energy Shareholders (as at the Scheme Record Time), pursuant to the terms of the Scheme. The Technology Disposal Additional Consideration will not be evidenced by a certificate or other instrument and will not be registered or listed for trading (including on any stock exchange). The Technology Disposal Additional Consideration will not have any voting or dividend rights and will not represent any equity or ownership interest in Bidco, DCC Energy, the Bidco Group or the DCC Energy Group. The Technology Disposal Additional Consideration will be governed by Irish law.
The Irish Takeover Panel has determined that an estimate of the value of the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration in accordance with Rule 24.11 of the Irish Takeover Rules will not be required to be included in the Scheme Document.
4 Background to and reasons for the Acquisition
DCC Energy is a high-quality international energy distributor. It has leading positions in its markets, a resilient operating model, and a track record of strong cash generation from its core energy products and mobility businesses coupled with a scalable Energy Services platform. DCC Energy operates across 16 countries serving approximately 10 million customers annually, accessing a diverse mix of end markets.
Bidco views DCC Energy as being at an important point in its development. In November 2024, DCC Energy announced its intention to simplify the DCC Energy Group's operations, focusing on the growth and development of DCC Energy. Strong progress has been made to create a focused energy group and the ongoing Technology Disposal is the last milestone in transforming DCC Energy into a pure-play energy leader. This simplification will allow DCC Energy to focus exclusively on helping customers navigate the energy transition. DCC Energy's Energy Services platform is well positioned to help customers optimise their energy spend, benefit from decarbonisation and respond to the broader evolution of energy demand. Combining stable and dependable cash flows from its core businesses with the growing Energy Services offering positions DCC Energy as a key multi-solution energy solutions provider for its customers.
As DCC Energy becomes a focused energy company, Bidco sees clear opportunities from that strategic transition. At the same time, this transition will take place in an energy market shaped by changing macroeconomic, geopolitical and regulatory factors. Successful execution will require significant patience and adaptation to navigate the inevitable volatility and challenges that lie ahead.
Against this backdrop, Bidco believes DCC Energy's existing strategy can be accelerated under private ownership with access to capital, operational focus and enhanced strategic flexibility to pursue growth opportunities with greater speed and consistency. In particular, private ownership would allow DCC Energy to pursue inorganic growth in fragmented LPG markets where independent operators remain widespread, building on DCC Energy's proven M&A track record. As a private company, DCC Energy's management team will have more flexibility to invest capital to support DCC Energy customers.
Bidco believes that ECP and KKR would bring highly complementary capabilities to the ownership of DCC Energy, combining ECP's specialist expertise in energy and environment infrastructure and KKR's global infrastructure platform and operational resources. Both have substantial experience in complex public-to-private transactions and in supporting businesses through periods of strategic evolution under private ownership, which is particularly relevant to DCC Energy. Both also bring substantial on-the-ground resources and expertise in energy infrastructure in DCC Energy's priority growth markets, including in executing M&A opportunities. ECP's acquisition of Calpine saw more than US$900 million invested to build a clear energy-transition story and KKR's acquisition of ContourGlobal and Albioma featured the repositioning of both businesses from coal-fired generation into clean energy and renewables.
Together, KKR and ECP provide the experience, capabilities and patient capital to add value as long-term partners to DCC Energy as it navigates the continually evolving energy landscape and progresses through its next phase of growth. Bidco recognises the significant contribution of DCC Energy's management team and employees, and intends to support them by leveraging the Consortium's global value-creation resources to deliver best-in-class asset management.
5 DCC Energy Recommendation
The DCC Energy Directors, who have been so advised by J.P. Morgan and UBS as to the financial terms of the Acquisition, consider the terms of the Acquisition as set out in this Announcement to be fair and reasonable. In providing their advice to the DCC Energy Board, J.P. Morgan and UBS have taken into account the commercial assessments of the DCC Energy Board. UBS is providing independent financial advice to the DCC Energy Directors for the purposes of Rule 3 of the Irish Takeover Rules.
The DCC Energy Board believes that the Acquisition is in the best interests of DCC Energy Shareholders and represents the most effective route to realise value for shareholders.
Accordingly, the DCC Energy Directors intend to recommend unanimously that DCC Energy Shareholders vote in favour of the Acquisition and all of the Resolutions.
Background to and Reasons for the Recommendation
Since DCC Energy announced an updated strategy for the Energy business in May 2022, with the ambition of doubling operating profit to £830 million by 2030[2] (the "2030 Ambition") and accelerating the net zero journey of its customers, the DCC Energy Board has been pleased with the progress made. From FY22 to FY26, or in the first four years of DCC Energy's eight-year strategy, the Energy business has delivered £147 million of operating profit growth, representing approximately 35% of the operating profit growth required to meet the 2030 Ambition. This growth has been delivered through a combination of organic growth and M&A. DCC Energy has also made strong progress on its simplification strategy, announced in 2024, with the disposals of DCC Healthcare and InfoTech completed and the process to dispose of the Nexora Business well progressed.
Looking forward, the DCC Energy Board remains confident in DCC Energy's ability to execute on the 2030 Ambition. Doing so will require a further £275 million of operating profit growth in the remaining four years from FY26 to FY30. As set out at the 2026 full year results, DCC Energy expects c.£115 million of that remaining growth to come from organic profit growth and the remaining c.£160 million to come from acquisition growth.
In assessing the proposal, the DCC Energy Board has carefully considered the value of the cash certainty of the Acquisition today against the fundamental value of the standalone business, with three principal considerations:
(i) DCC Energy's ability to continue delivering the required level of organic profit growth against an uncertain macroeconomic, regulatory and transition backdrop
DCC Energy is pleased by the level of organic profit growth delivered in the last four years. However, continued delivery of the level of organic profit growth required to meet the 2030 Ambition is not without execution risk. While over the longer-term DCC Energy continues to believe its markets can deliver performance in line with these expectations, recent macroeconomic, political and regulatory uncertainty has demonstrated the potential for volatility in DCC Energy's markets, including the rate of adoption of new energy solutions. Additionally, the timing for the required transition away from hydrocarbons and the shift in business model to deliver new energy solutions continues to be a focus and source of uncertainty for equity market investors.
(ii) DCC Energy's ability to secure the required level of M&A-led growth at prices that are accretive to DCC Energy shareholders
The remaining c.£160 million of anticipated operating profit growth is expected to come from acquisition-led growth. This element of DCC Energy's 2030 Ambition will require the successful deployment of material capital into acquisition opportunities. DCC Energy is confident of its ability to source these opportunities given the fragmented nature of DCC Energy's end markets, but successful delivery will rely on both being able to find willing sellers and securing those assets at prices that are accretive to DCC Energy's shareholders. Both of these factors are not wholly within DCC Energy's control.
(iii) DCC Energy's standalone valuation prospects assuming execution of DCC Energy's strategy
Since setting out its plan in May 2022, DCC Energy has undertaken extensive market education on the Energy business and its prospects. DCC Energy has held (i) its Leading with Energy Capital Markets Day in May 2022; (ii) its Energy Insights Day in September 2023; and (iii) its strategy update to simplify the DCC Energy Group and focus on the Energy business in November 2024. DCC Energy's 2030 Ambition and the acceleration of the net zero journey of its customers has been a consistent feature of this market education since the Leading with Energy strategy was announced in May 2022. The 2030 Ambition has been central to each of DCC Energy's results presentations in recent years.
In addition, DCC Energy has invested significant time and resources into its Investor Relations activities, increasing its presence at equity market conferences and other market events. DCC Energy has also enhanced the level of disclosure associated with its Energy business over the same timeframe.
Despite the performance of the Energy business and strategic progress made to date, there has been no evidence of a sustained change in the rating of DCC Energy shares. Over the last 15 years, the Energy business has always been the largest component of DCC Energy. Having successfully completed the disposals of DCC Healthcare and InfoTech, and announced its objective to agree the Technology Disposal during the calendar year 2026, the market has had clarity on the structure of the go-forward DCC Energy Group and has accordingly established a broad consensus on value. Whilst DCC Energy has enjoyed the support of a number of committed shareholders, wider market interest has been held back by concerns that the business remains predominantly focused on hydrocarbon distribution and is thus exposed to an uncertain period of energy transition, as well as concerns over the long-term prospects of hydrocarbons.
The DCC Energy shareholder register has become more concentrated in recent years and the number of market participants that have engaged in the story has reduced over time. Despite the progress made and the simplification of the DCC Energy Group, DCC Energy has found it difficult to attract new investors. Feedback from DCC Energy's thorough and regular engagement with current and potential new investors indicates that DCC Energy's exposure to low-volume growth end markets weighs on perceived terminal value and, in turn, DCC Energy's trading multiple. Consequently, DCC Energy has traded at a broadly consistent multiple of operating profit since its strategy update in May 2022.
This backdrop was further evidenced through the successful £600 million tender offer DCC Energy executed in December 2025, following the disposal of DCC Healthcare. DCC Energy Shareholders were invited to tender their DCC Energy Shares within a price range of 5,020 to 5,320 pence per DCC Energy Share. The auction price was struck at 5,170 pence per DCC Energy Share, a 3% premium to the closing price of 5,020 pence per DCC Energy Share, on 14 November 2025, being the last Business Day prior to the formal announcement of the circular in relation to the tender offer. The tender offer was oversubscribed at the strike price and subject to scaling. The tender offer reduced the issued share capital of DCC Energy by 12%.
Prior to reaching agreement on the terms of the offer, the DCC Energy Board engaged in a robust and lengthy negotiation process with the Consortium. Following the rejection of the initial proposal, the Consortium made a further six proposals, culminating in a revised proposal that represents a Total Offer Value of up to 6,797.22 pence in cash per DCC Energy Share, comprising an offer of 6,525 pence in cash, the Final Dividend, plus the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration. The DCC Energy Board has also taken into consideration that in the approximately 12 weeks since the beginning of the Offer Period, no other parties beyond the Consortium have announced a possible or firm offer for DCC Energy.
It is against this backdrop that DCC Energy has carefully assessed the terms of the Acquisition. In assessing, and before concluding that it intends to recommend, the Acquisition, the DCC Energy Board carefully considered the value to shareholders of certainty in cash today, at a premium to DCC Energy's undisturbed trading price and at a valuation multiple higher than DCC Energy has been able to sustainably achieve in public markets. The DCC Energy Board has compared this to the opportunity to deliver better value in the future, whilst being mindful of the risks and time involved in delivering that value, which requires both: (i) successful execution of DCC Energy's medium-term strategy; and (ii) a change in the way the wider equity market views the valuation and rating of DCC Energy.
The Base Consideration and Final Dividend together value DCC Energy's entire issued and to be issued share capital at approximately £5.75 billion and represent an attractive premium as follows:
§ 24% to DCC Energy's undisturbed Closing Price of 5,380 pence on the Undisturbed Date, which was also DCC Energy's 52-week high share price at the Undisturbed Date;
§ 33% to DCC Energy's volume-weighted average price of 5,004 pence per DCC Energy Share for the three-month period ended on the Undisturbed Date;
§ 36% to DCC Energy's volume-weighted average price of 4,907 pence per DCC Energy Share for the twelve-month period ended on the Undisturbed Date;
§ 11% to the median analyst twelve-month forward target price of 6,000 pence per DCC Energy Share as of the Undisturbed Date;
§ a value higher than DCC Energy's closing share price at any point over the last five years; and
§ a meaningful premium to DCC Energy's average trading multiple since setting out the updated strategy for DCC Energy in 2022.
If the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration is paid in full, the premium levels set out above would increase by approximately 2-3%.
In addition, the DCC Energy Board notes the Consortium's history of investing in UK and European energy assets and the expertise they bring, which the DCC Energy Board believes has the potential to enable an accelerated delivery of the current strategy.
In reaching its decision, the DCC Energy Board has also taken into account the Consortium's other stated intentions for the business, management, employees and other stakeholders of DCC Energy.
Accordingly, following careful consideration of the above factors, the DCC Energy Board intends to recommend unanimously that DCC Energy Shareholders vote in favour of the Acquisition.
6 Irrevocable Undertakings
Bidco has received irrevocable undertakings from each of the DCC Energy Directors who hold, or hold interests over, DCC Energy Shares to vote (or, where applicable, procure the voting), in favour of the Resolutions at the Scheme Meeting and the EGM as applicable (or, if the Acquisition is implemented by way of a Takeover Offer, to accept or procure acceptance of such Takeover Offer) in respect of their own beneficial holdings over which those DCC Energy Directors have control over voting rights, comprising, in aggregate, 239,744 DCC Energy Shares (which in aggregate represent approximately 0.28% of the issued share capital of DCC Energy as of the Latest Practicable Date).
These irrevocable undertakings also extend to any DCC Energy Shares acquired by such DCC Energy Directors following the date of this Announcement, whether as a result of the exercise of options, the vesting of conditional awards under the DCC Energy Share Plans or following the issue and allotment to, or transfer to, any such DCC Energy Director of DCC Energy Shares under the DCC Energy DBA or otherwise.
These irrevocable undertakings from the DCC Energy Directors remain binding if a competing offer is made for DCC Energy, and will cease to be binding only if:
§ the Scheme becomes Effective;
§ Bidco publicly announces, with the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel, that it does not intend to proceed with the Acquisition (whether by Scheme or Takeover Offer);
§ the Acquisition has not become Effective by 23:59 (London time) on the End Date;
§ the Scheme or a Takeover Offer (as the case may be) lapses or is withdrawn (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be deemed to have occurred only by reason of Bidco electing to switch from a Scheme to a Takeover Offer) other than in circumstances where the Transaction Agreement has been terminated pursuant to clause 9.1.8 of the Transaction Agreement; or
§ any competing offer for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of DCC Energy is made which becomes or is declared unconditional (if implemented by way of takeover offer under the Irish Takeover Rules) or otherwise becomes effective (if implemented by way of scheme of arrangement).
7 Information relating to ECP, KKR and Bidco
Information relating to ECP
ECP, founded in 2005, is a leading equity and credit investor across energy transition infrastructure, with a focus on investing in electricity and sustainability infrastructure providing reliable, affordable and clean energy. ECP combines deep domain expertise with a value-added, operationally focused investment approach. Since inception, ECP has secured more than US$40 billion in capital commitments from institutional investors globally. ECP is the infrastructure investment platform of Bridgepoint Group Plc (LSE: BPT.L), a London-listed global leader in middle-market private equity, credit, infrastructure and secondaries. Together, they manage approximately US$98 billion in combined assets under management.
ECP is among the most active investors in North American and UK energy infrastructure across the energy value chain, including renewables, environmental infrastructure, natural gas marketing, and downstream infrastructure. Over the course of ECP's history, it has invested over US$23 billion in clean energy assets, utilising a partnership-led approach to better position businesses for the energy transition and future growth initiatives.
ECP's current and realised portfolio of UK investments includes Grain LNG, Europe's largest LNG regasification terminal; Biffa, a leading integrated waste management and circular economy business; Atlantica, an owner and operator of a large, diversified portfolio of contracted renewable and power assets; and Triton Power Partners, a portfolio of natural gas power generation assets in the UK.
Information relating to KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm with US$758 billion in assets under management as of 31 March 2026. With 50 years of experience, KKR invests globally across infrastructure, real estate, private equity and credit, and also offers capital markets and insurance solutions.
KKR has significant experience and deep roots in infrastructure investing. KKR established its Global Infrastructure strategy in 2008 and has since been one of the most active private infrastructure investors around the world with a team of approximately 160 dedicated infrastructure executives. As of 31 March 2026, KKR's infrastructure platform had approximately US$107 billion in assets under management. KKR will invest in the Acquisition primarily through its Global Infrastructure strategy.
KKR is a long-standing investor in the energy sector, having deployed more than US$57 billion (£43 billion) of equity globally into related investments since 2008. KKR has an extensive track record of investing in leading energy and energy distribution businesses and working collaboratively to scale them as global leaders and further their transition strategies.
The Acquisition further builds on KKR's presence and investment activity in the UK and Ireland, where KKR has a long track record and employs over 650 executives. KKR has been investing in the UK for thirty years with a permanent presence and local investment professionals since the opening of the firm's London office in 1999. KKR has invested approximately US$37 billion (£28 billion) of equity through its infrastructure, real estate and private equity strategies in the UK and Ireland, completing over 70 transactions. In Ireland, KKR has maintained a prominent local presence through its Dublin office since 2014.
In the UK and Ireland, KKR's infrastructure investments in energy and energy services businesses include ContourGlobal, John Laing, Smart Metering Systems, Viridor, and Zenobē. Globally, KKR's investments include Avantus, CleanPeak Energy, Encavis, GreenVolt, IGNIS P2X, Port Arthur LNG, Sempra Infrastructure, Serentica Renewables and Zenith Energy, among others.
Information relating to Bidco
Bidco is a private company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Ireland for the purpose of implementing the Acquisition and is indirectly wholly owned by ECP and KKR. Bidco has not traded since its date of incorporation, nor has it entered into any obligations other than in connection with the Acquisition. Further details in relation to Bidco will be contained in the Scheme Document.
8 Information relating to DCC Energy
DCC Energy is a leader in multi-energy sales and distribution in Europe and the US. The DCC Energy Group serves millions of customers across the commercial & industrial, public and domestic sectors. DCC Energy delivers mainly off-grid energy solutions, led by liquid gas, and operates service stations and fleet services. The DCC Energy Group supplies the secure, cleaner and competitive energy that customers need, supporting industrial processes, heating homes, and keeping transport moving. DCC Energy does this while supporting customers through the transition with the energy and services they need next.
DCC Energy is a public limited company incorporated in Ireland. DCC Energy Shares are listed on the Official List and admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DCC). DCC Energy is a constituent of the FTSE 100. In its financial year ended 31 March 2026, DCC Energy generated revenues of £15.4 billion and adjusted operating profit of £634.0 million. DCC Energy has an excellent record, delivering compound annual growth of 14% in adjusted operating profit and unbroken dividend growth of 13% while maintaining high returns on capital employed over 32 years as a public company.
9 Structure of the Acquisition
Scheme
It is intended that the Acquisition will be implemented by a High Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement in accordance with Chapter 1 of Part 9 of the Act. Under the terms of the Scheme, Bidco will pay the Base Consideration, and if due, the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration, to the Scheme Shareholders in consideration of either the cancellation of their Cancellation Shares or (in the case of the Scheme Shareholders holding Transfer Shares) the transfer to Bidco of the Transfer Shares. If the Scheme is implemented, at the Effective Time, all Cancellation Shares will be cancelled and any Transfer Shares will be transferred to Bidco in accordance with the Scheme. In respect of the Cancellation Shares, DCC Energy will issue to Bidco such number of new DCC Energy Shares as is equal to the number of Cancellation Shares cancelled. As a result of these arrangements, DCC Energy will become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Bidco.
To become Effective, the Scheme requires, among other things:
§ the approval of the Scheme by members of each class of DCC Energy Shareholders present and voting, either in person or by proxy, at the Scheme Meeting(s) representing, at the Voting Record Time, at least three-fourths (75%) in value of the DCC Energy Shares of that class held by such DCC Energy Shareholders present and voting;
§ the approval by DCC Energy Shareholders of the EGM Resolutions at the EGM to be held directly after the Scheme Meeting;
§ sanction by the High Court (with or without material modification, but subject to any such modification being acceptable to each of Bidco and DCC Energy); and
§ the High Court having confirmed the related reduction of capital.
The Scheme must become Effective by no later than 23:59 (London time) on the End Date.
Application to the High Court to sanction the Scheme
If the requisite approvals of the DCC Energy Shareholders are obtained at the Scheme Meeting and the EGM, and the other applicable Conditions have been satisfied or (where applicable) waived, an application will be made to the High Court to sanction the Scheme under the Act.
Subject to the sanction of the High Court, the Scheme will become effective in accordance with its terms following delivery of a copy of the Court Order and the minute required by Section 86 of the Act in respect of the related capital reduction to the Registrar of Companies, and the Court Order and such minute being registered by the Registrar of Companies.
Upon the Scheme becoming effective, it will be binding on all Scheme Shareholders, irrespective of whether or not they attended or voted at the Scheme Meeting or EGM, or whether they voted in favour of or against the Scheme.
Full details of the Scheme to be set out in the Scheme Document
The Scheme Document will contain, among other things, further information about the Acquisition, the full terms of the Scheme, the notices convening the Scheme Meeting and the EGM and the expected timetable for completion, and will specify the action to be taken by DCC Energy Shareholders to vote on the Resolutions. The Scheme Document will be sent (together, where relevant, with the forms of proxy) as soon as practicable and, in any event (save with the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel), within 28 calendar days after the date of this Announcement to DCC Energy Shareholders and, for information only, to DCC Energy Participants.
The Acquisition and the Scheme will comply with the Irish Takeover Rules, the Act and, where relevant, the UK Listing Rules and will be subject to the terms and conditions set out in this Announcement and to be set out in the Scheme Document. The Acquisition and the Scheme will be governed by the laws of Ireland.
Conditions to the Acquisition
The Scheme is subject to the satisfaction (or, where applicable, waiver) of the Conditions. The Conditions to, and certain further terms of, the Acquisition and the Scheme are set out in Appendix I to this Announcement. The Conditions include the receipt of certain antitrust and foreign investment approvals. Bidco will work with DCC Energy to engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders to satisfy the Conditions as promptly as is reasonably practicable following the date of the Announcement, in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement and the requirements of the Irish Takeover Rules. The Acquisition and the Scheme will also be subject to further terms to be set out in the Scheme Document.
Scheme timetable and further information
The Scheme Document, which will contain, among other things, further information about the Acquisition, notices convening the Scheme Meeting and the EGM, the expected timetable for completion of the Acquisition and action to be taken by DCC Energy Shareholders, will be published as soon as practicable.
It is expected that the Scheme Meeting and the EGM will be held as soon as is practicable in September 2026. The Scheme is expected to become Effective in Q1 2027, subject to the satisfaction or (where applicable) waiver of the Conditions set out in Appendix I to this Announcement.
10 Effect of the Scheme on DCC Energy LTIPs
In accordance with Rule 15 of the Irish Takeover Rules, Bidco and DCC Energy will jointly make appropriate proposals to participants in DCC Energy LTIPs in relation to the DCC Energy Share Awards. Participants will be contacted at, or as soon as possible after, the time of publication of the Scheme Document, regarding the effect of the Acquisition on the DCC Energy Share Awards under the DCC Energy LTIPs and the relevant details will be summarised in the Scheme Document.
11 Financing of the Acquisition
The Cash Consideration payable under the terms of the Acquisition will be financed by a combination of: (a) equity to be drawn from funds, vehicles and / or accounts advised and / or managed by ECP; (b) equity to be drawn from funds, vehicles and / or accounts advised and / or managed by KKR; and (c) debt financing to be provided to the Consortium by (i) Barclays Bank plc, (ii) BNP Paribas, (iii) Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, (iv) Danske Bank A/S, (v) Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE, (vi) HSBC Continental Europe, (vii) ING Bank N.V., London Branch, (viii) Mizuho Bank Europe N.V., (ix) Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., (x) MUFG Bank, Ltd., London Branch, (xi) National Westminster Bank plc, and (xii) Banco Santander, S.A. Further details will be set out in the Scheme Document.
In accordance with Rule 2.7(d) of the Irish Takeover Rules, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, as lead financial advisers to the Consortium and Bidco, are satisfied that sufficient resources are available to Bidco to satisfy in full the aggregate Base Consideration payable to DCC Energy Shareholders under the terms of the Scheme.
12 Bidco's intention for the DCC Energy business, management, employees, operations and governance
Strategic plans for DCC Energy
As set out in paragraph 4 (Background to and reasons for the Acquisition), Bidco believes that DCC Energy is a high-quality business and that the Acquisition represents an attractive opportunity to support DCC Energy in the next phase of its growth.
Bidco recognises DCC Energy's position as a leader in multi-energy sales and distribution in Europe, with a strong platform to capture growth opportunities in the US. Bidco has been impressed by DCC Energy management's significant progress to date in simplifying the DCC Energy Group's operations enabling enhanced focus on the growth of its core LPG, fuels and mobility business and maturing Energy Services platform.
Bidco believes a transition to DCC Energy operating as a private company would provide DCC Energy management with greater flexibility to focus on strategic, commercial, operational, financial and M&A initiatives, enabling the business to execute its growth strategy with greater speed and consistency.
Bidco believes that DCC Energy's continued growth requires patient, sustained investment supported by a long-term investment horizon. Bidco intends to provide DCC Energy with access to capital, global networks and expertise to support and accelerate DCC Energy's strategic evolution as a pure-play Energy-focused business. By leveraging ECP and KKR's proven experience transforming businesses, Bidco anticipates meaningful opportunities to work closely with the team to drive sustainable growth, enhance profitability and capture opportunities across its multi-energy solutions platforms.
Bidco intends to support DCC Energy management in investing in the business's customer offering and expanding its geographic footprint, both organically and through targeted bolt-on acquisitions. This includes supporting DCC Energy's ambition to gain a greater market share of the energy products industries in the US and Europe. In addition, Bidco intends to support DCC Energy's Energy Services in meeting the growing demand for renewable energy.
Bidco notes DCC Energy's publicly stated strategy to dispose of the Nexora Business - a leading value-added distributor of specialist professional technologies. Bidco further notes that DCC Energy has commenced a sale process, and that DCC Energy intends to have reached agreement on the disposal of the Nexora Business by the end of calendar year 2026. Bidco is supportive of DCC Energy's proposed disposal of the Nexora Business. If definitive transaction documents have not been entered into prior to the Effective Date, Bidco intends to support DCC Energy's management in bringing the sales process to a successful conclusion.
Evaluation following the Effective Date
Before this Announcement, Bidco was granted access to DCC Energy's senior management for the purposes of confirmatory due diligence. However, Bidco has not yet had access to sufficiently detailed operational information to formulate an agreed strategy for DCC Energy.
Following the Acquisition becoming Effective, Bidco intends to conduct, together with the DCC Energy management team, a detailed evaluation of DCC Energy's business and operations.
Bidco expects that the scope of the evaluation will include, amongst other matters, as determined post completion: (i) a detailed review of DCC Energy's existing business portfolio and embedded growth opportunities; (ii) identifying and executing strategic acquisitions, partnerships and/or disposals that support DCC Energy's ongoing transformation to be a more Energy focused business; and (iii) assessing DCC Energy's capital structure, ongoing capital requirements and cost base with a view to maximising efficiencies and the opportunities available to DCC Energy (together, the "Evaluation"). Bidco expects that the Evaluation will be completed within a period of approximately twelve months from the Effective Date.
Employment rights
Bidco attaches great importance to the skills and experience of DCC Energy's management and employees, recognising the contributions they have made to DCC Energy's achievements to date and the crucial role they will play in its continuing success. Bidco is looking forward to working with DCC Energy's management and employees to support the future development of DCC Energy and to ensure that it continues to thrive as a private company.
Following the Effective Date, Bidco intends to safeguard the existing contractual and statutory employment rights, including pension rights, of DCC Energy management and employees in accordance with applicable law (including any information and consultation obligations).
In addition, Bidco has agreed pursuant to the Transaction Agreement to the maintenance of certain benefits for employees of the DCC Energy Group (including in relation to salary, bonus, severance and pension entitlements) for a period of not less than 24 months following the Effective Date, subject to certain conditions more particularly set out in the Transaction Agreement.
Once DCC Energy ceases to be a listed company, Bidco anticipates functional savings associated with the change in DCC Energy's status from being a publicly listed company (as detailed below under the heading "Headquarters, locations and fixed assets"). As noted above, Bidco is supportive of DCC Energy management's ongoing efforts to reposition the business as a pure-play Energy focused business. Bidco intends to support management in its existing cost optimisation plans, aligned with the strategic repositioning but otherwise does not intend to make any other material headcount reductions in other aspects of the business. However, in each case, Bidco's intention remains subject to the Evaluation.
Bidco expects that pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, with effect from the Effective Date and upon DCC Energy becoming a private company, each of the non-executive directors of DCC Energy will resign from office.
Incentive arrangements
Bidco attaches great importance to the skills, experience and expertise of the existing management and employees of the DCC Energy Group. Bidco intends to put in place appropriate management incentivisation arrangements following the Effective Date, but as at the date of this Announcement Bidco has not entered into, and has not discussed any form of, incentivisation arrangements with members of DCC Energy's management. Bidco intends to discuss the adoption of appropriate incentivisation arrangements for the DCC Energy management team following completion of the Acquisition.
Bidco believes that broad-based ownership is an important tool that can drive employee engagement. Bidco intends to explore, following the Effective Date, offering non-managerial employees a form of employee ownership participation. No decision has been made in respect of the terms of, or timing for implementation of, such incentive scheme.
Headquarters, locations and fixed assets
Other than changes as a result of the disposal of the Nexora Business and subject to the completion of the Evaluation, Bidco has no intention to effect any change in the locations of DCC Energy's places of business, or to redeploy the fixed assets of DCC Energy. Bidco also has no intention to change the location of DCC Energy's headquarters or headquarters functions in Dublin, other than in respect of DCC Energy's listed-company-related functions which will no longer be required upon DCC Energy ceasing to operate as a publicly listed company or changes to these functions that occur as a result of the completion of the disposal of the Nexora Business.
Trading facilities
DCC Energy Shares are currently listed on the Official List and admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
As set out in paragraph 14, subject to the Acquisition becoming Effective, it is intended that requests will be made to the FCA to cancel the listing of the DCC Energy Shares on the Official List and to the London Stock Exchange to cancel trading in DCC Energy Shares on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities. Following completion of the Acquisition, Bidco intends to re-register DCC Energy as a private company.
13 Acquisition related arrangements
Bid Conduct Agreement
Krypton Holdco II Limited and ECP Dragon Holdco Ltd, being the indirect shareholders of Bidco, have entered into the Bid Conduct Agreement, pursuant to which they have agreed certain principles in accordance with which they intend to co-operate in respect of the Acquisition.
The terms of the Bid Conduct Agreement include an agreement to:
(a) work with each other on an exclusive basis in relation to the Acquisition;
(b) decide matters in relation to the Acquisition unanimously (with certain exceptions);
(c) implement the equity and debt funding for the Acquisition; and
(d) discuss in good faith in respect of a competing offer to the Acquisition,
in each case for so long as the Bid Conduct Agreement is in force.
The Bid Conduct Agreement will terminate in certain circumstances, including if (i) the Acquisition is withdrawn or lapses, (ii) a competing offer in relation to DCC Energy becomes effective or unconditional in all respects, or (iii) the parties to the Bid Conduct Agreement mutually agree.
Transaction Agreement
Bidco, ECP Aggregator, KKR Aggregator and DCC Energy entered into a transaction agreement on 27 July 2026 (the "Transaction Agreement") which contains certain undertakings and warranties in relation to the implementation of the Scheme and other matters related to the Acquisition. A summary of the principal terms of the Transaction Agreement will be set out in the Scheme Document.
The Transaction Agreement provides that where the DCC Energy Board determines that a DCC Energy Superior Proposal has been received, DCC Energy will provide Bidco with an opportunity, for a period of seven (7) Business Days from the time of the receipt by Bidco of notice in writing from DCC Energy confirming that the DCC Energy Board has determined that a DCC Energy Superior Proposal has been received together with details of the material terms of such DCC Energy Superior Proposal, to increase or modify the Cash Consideration and such other terms and conditions such that the DCC Energy Superior Proposal would not constitute a DCC Energy Superior Proposal.
Expenses Reimbursement Provisions
The Transaction Agreement contains customary expenses reimbursement provisions pursuant to which DCC Energy has agreed to pay to Bidco (or KKR, ECP or their respective Reimbursed Parties, as appropriate), in certain circumstances (as detailed below), an amount equal to all documented, specific quantifiable third party costs and expenses incurred directly or indirectly by such member of the Bidco Group, ECP, KKR or their respective Reimbursed Parties, or on its or their behalf, for the purposes of, in preparation for, or in connection with the Acquisition, including exploratory work carried out in contemplation of and in connection with the Acquisition, legal, tax, financial, accounting, property and commercial due diligence, arranging financing and engaging advisers to assist in the process, related advisory fees and filing fees, provided that the aggregate of:
(a) the amount payable to Bidco, KKR, ECP or their respective Reimbursed Parties;
(b) any amount payable to any Tax Authority by: (i) any member of the DCC Energy Group pursuant to clause 9.2.5 of the Transaction Agreement, or (ii) by Bidco (or the relevant member of a VAT Group of which Bidco is a member) for which any member of the DCC Energy Group is required to pay an amount equal to such VAT to Bidco (or the relevant member of a VAT Group of which Bidco is a member) pursuant to clause 9.2.5 of the Transaction Agreement which constitutes Irrecoverable VAT (together with any associated interest and penalties); and
(c) any amount payable by any member of the DCC Energy Group pursuant to the second sentence of clause 9.2.6 of the Transaction Agreement,
shall not, in any event, exceed such sum as is equal to 1% of the aggregate Base Consideration. The amount payable by DCC Energy to Bidco under the Transaction Agreement will exclude any amounts in respect of VAT incurred by ECP, KKR, Bidco or any of their respective affiliates attributable to such third party costs other than Irrecoverable VAT incurred by ECP, KKR, Bidco and any of their respective affiliates on such costs.
The circumstances in which such payment will be made are if:
(a) the Transaction Agreement is terminated:
(i) by Bidco for the reason that the DCC Energy Board or any committee thereof makes a DCC Energy Change of Recommendation and the Acquisition subsequently lapses or is withdrawn (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that the provision by DCC Energy to Bidco of notice or information in connection with a DCC Energy Alternative Proposal or DCC Energy Superior Proposal as required or expressly permitted by the Transaction Agreement shall not, in each case, in and of itself, constitute a DCC Energy Change of Recommendation); or
(ii) by DCC Energy, upon written notice at any time following delivery of a Final Recommendation Change Notice under and in accordance with the Transaction Agreement, where the Acquisition subsequently lapses or is withdrawn; or
(b) all of the following occur:
(i) prior to the Scheme Meeting (or, in the case of a Takeover Offer prior to the Final Closing Date), a DCC Energy Alternative Proposal is publicly disclosed by DCC Energy or any person shall have publicly announced an intention (whether or not conditional) to make a DCC Energy Alternative Proposal and, in each case, such disclosure or announcement is not publicly withdrawn without qualification at least five (5) Business Days before the date of the Scheme Meeting or Final Closing Date (it being understood that, for the purposes of this clause (i) and (iii) below, references to 10% and 90% in the definition of DCC Energy Alternative Proposal shall be deemed to refer to 50%); and
(ii) the Transaction Agreement is terminated by Bidco for the reason that DCC Energy shall have breached or failed to perform in any material respect any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in the Transaction Agreement, which material breach or failure to perform:
(1) would result in a failure of any of the Conditions; and
(2) is not reasonably capable of being cured by the End Date or, if curable, Bidco shall have given DCC Energy written notice, delivered at least thirty (30) days prior to such termination, stating Bidco's intention to terminate the Transaction Agreement pursuant to clause 9.1.6 and the basis for such termination and such breach, failure to perform or inaccuracy shall not have been cured within thirty (30) days following the delivery of such written notice or, if earlier, by the End Date (such termination, a "Breach Termination"); and
(iii) a DCC Energy Alternative Proposal is consummated within twelve (12) months, or a definitive agreement providing for a DCC Energy Alternative Proposal is entered into within twelve (12) months after such termination and such DCC Energy Alternative Proposal is subsequently consummated pursuant to that definitive agreement (as such definitive agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented), in each case, regardless of whether such DCC Energy Alternative Proposal is the same DCC Energy Alternative Proposal referred to in clause 9.2.2(b)(i) of the Transaction Agreement; or
(c) all of the following occur:
(i) prior to the Scheme Meeting (or, in the case of a Takeover Offer prior to the Final Closing Date), a DCC Energy Alternative Proposal is publicly disclosed by DCC Energy or any person shall have publicly announced, or privately disclosed to the DCC Energy Board, an intention (whether or not conditional) to make a DCC Energy Alternative Proposal and, in each case, such disclosure or announcement is not publicly withdrawn without qualification at least five (5) Business Days before the date of the Scheme Meeting or Final Closing Date (it being understood that, for the purposes of this clause (i) and (iii) below, references to 10% and 90% in the definition of DCC Energy Alternative Proposal shall be deemed to refer to 50%); and
(ii) the Transaction Agreement is terminated by (A) either DCC Energy or Bidco for the reason that the Scheme Meeting or the EGM shall have been completed and the Scheme Meeting Resolution or the EGM Resolutions, as applicable, shall not have been approved by the requisite majority of votes (or, in the case of a Takeover Offer, the Final Closing Date having passed without the Takeover Offer becoming unconditional as to acceptances) or (B) Bidco pursuant to a Breach Termination; and
(iii) a DCC Energy Alternative Proposal is consummated within twelve (12) months, or a definitive agreement providing for a DCC Energy Alternative Proposal is entered into within twelve (12) months after such termination and such DCC Energy Alternative Proposal is consummated pursuant to that definitive agreement (as such definitive agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented), in each case, regardless of whether such DCC Energy Alternative Proposal is the same DCC Energy Alternative Proposal referred to in clause 9.2.2(c)(i) of the Transaction Agreement.
Each of the DCC Energy Board and UBS, as financial adviser and Rule 3 Adviser to the DCC Energy Board, has confirmed to the Irish Takeover Panel that, for the purposes of the Note to Rule 21.2 of the Irish Takeover Rules, they consider the terms of the expenses reimbursement provisions above to be in the best interests of DCC Energy Shareholders.
Certain terms and conditions applicable to the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration are included in the Transaction Agreement, as summarised in paragraph 3 (Details of the Technology Disposal and Technology Disposal Additional Consideration) above and Appendix V to this Announcement.
14 Delisting and Cancellation of Trading of DCC Energy Shares
Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, an application will be made to the London Stock Exchange prior to the Effective Date to cancel the admission of the DCC Energy Shares to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and to the FCA to cancel the listing of DCC Energy Shares on the FCA's Official List, in each case with effect from or shortly following the Effective Date.
Dealing in DCC Energy Shares on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange may be suspended prior to the Effective Date. An appropriate announcement in this regard, if required, will be made in due course.
As soon as is reasonably practicable following the Effective Date, it is intended that DCC Energy will be re-registered as a private company limited by shares.
15 Interests and Short Positions in DCC Energy
General confirmation
As at the close of business on the Latest Practicable Date for Reporting of Interests and Short Positions, other than as set out in this Announcement, none of ECP, KKR or Bidco nor, so far as ECP, KKR and Bidco are respectively aware, any person Acting in Concert with ECP, KKR or Bidco:
(a) had an interest in relevant securities of DCC Energy;
(b) had any short position in relevant securities of DCC Energy;
(c) had received an irrevocable commitment or letter of intent to accept the terms of the Acquisition in respect of relevant securities of DCC Energy; or
(d) had borrowed or lent any DCC Energy Shares.
Furthermore, no arrangement to which Rule 8.7 of the Irish Takeover Rules applies exists between ECP, KKR, Bidco or DCC Energy or a person Acting in Concert with ECP, KKR, Bidco or DCC Energy respectively in relation to DCC Energy Shares. For these purposes, an "arrangement to which Rule 8.7 of the Irish Takeover Rules applies" includes any indemnity or option arrangement, and any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, of whatever nature, between two or more persons relating to relevant securities which is or may be an inducement to one or more of such persons to deal or refrain from dealing in such securities.
Details of interests and short positions
|
Name |
Number of DCC Energy Shares held |
Percentage of DCC Energy's issued share capital as at close of business on the Latest Practicable Date for Reporting of Interests and Short Positions |
|
Calvert Research and Management* |
13,221 |
0.02% |
|
Folio Investments Inc.** |
10 |
0.00% |
* Entity is a group company of Morgan Stanley
**Entity under the same control as Goldman Sachs
16 Tax
Each DCC Energy Shareholder is advised to consult his, her or its independent professional adviser regarding the tax consequences of the Acquisition.
17 Documents
Copies of the following documents will be made available, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted Jurisdictions, promptly on the Acquisition Websites, in each case by no later than 12.00 p.m. (London time) on the Business Day following this Announcement:
(a) this Announcement;
(b) the Transaction Agreement;
(c) the Bid Conduct Agreement; and
(d) the irrevocable undertakings referred to in section 6 above.
Neither the content of the websites referred to in this Announcement nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on any such website are incorporated into or form part of this Announcement.
18 General
Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, BNP Paribas, J.P. Morgan, UBS and Davy have each given and not withdrawn their consent to the publication of this Announcement with the inclusion herein of the references to their respective names in the form and context in which they each appear.
This Announcement is being made pursuant to Rule 2.7 of the Irish Takeover Rules.
Appendix I to this Announcement contains the Conditions and certain further terms of the Acquisition and the Scheme. Appendix II to this Announcement contains a summary of the irrevocable undertakings received in relation to this Acquisition. Appendix III to this Announcement contains definitions of certain expressions used in this Announcement. Appendix IV to this Announcement contains certain sources of information and bases of calculation contained in this Announcement.
This Announcement does not constitute a prospectus or prospectus equivalent document.
Any decision in relation to the Acquisition should be made only on the basis of the information contained in the Scheme Document or any document by which the Acquisition and the Scheme are made. DCC Energy Shareholders are advised to read carefully the formal documentation in relation to the Acquisition, including the Scheme Document.
If you are in any doubt about the contents of this Announcement or the action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own independent financial advice immediately from your appropriately authorised independent financial adviser.
Enquiries
|
Consortium
FGS Global (Communications Adviser to the Consortium) James Murgatroyd Faeth Birch Alastair Elwen Sophia Johnston |
ECPKKRConsortium@fgsglobal.com |
|
DCC Energy Conor Murphy, Chief Financial Officer |
Tel: +353 1 2799 400 |
|
Sodali & Co (Communications Adviser to DCC Energy) Eavan Gannon |
dccenergy@info.sodali.com |
Goldman Sachs International and Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc are acting as lead financial advisers to the Consortium and Bidco. Barclays Bank PLC acting through its Investment Bank and BNP Paribas are acting as financial advisers to the Consortium and Bidco.
J.P. Morgan Cazenove is acting as financial adviser and corporate broker to DCC Energy. UBS is acting as financial adviser and corporate broker to DCC Energy. J&E Davy is acting as corporate broker to DCC Energy.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher UK LLP is acting as English legal adviser to KKR and Bidco. Latham & Watkins (London) LLP is acting as English legal adviser to ECP and Bidco. Matheson LLP is acting as Irish legal adviser to ECP and Bidco. Arthur Cox LLP is acting as Irish legal adviser to KKR. Kirkland & Ellis International LLP is acting as legal adviser to Bidco in respect of the debt financing.
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and William Fry LLP are, respectively, acting as English and Irish legal advisers to DCC Energy.
Inside Information
This Announcement contains inside information and has been issued pursuant to Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 16 April 2014 on Market Abuse as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended from time to time. The date and time of this Announcement is the same date and time that it has been communicated to the media. The person responsible for arranging the release of this Announcement on behalf of DCC Energy is Darragh Byrne, Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel of DCC Energy.
Statements required by the Irish Takeover Rules
The ECP Responsible Persons accept responsibility for the information contained in this Announcement, other than information relating to: (i) DCC Energy, the DCC Energy Group, the DCC Energy Directors and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; and (ii) KKR, the KKR Responsible Persons and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the ECP Responsible Persons (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this Announcement for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
The KKR Responsible Persons accept responsibility for the information contained in this Announcement, other than information relating to: (i) DCC Energy, the DCC Energy Group, the DCC Energy Directors and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; and (ii) ECP, the ECP Responsible Persons and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the KKR Responsible Persons (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this Announcement for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
The Bidco Directors accept responsibility for the information contained in this Announcement, other than information relating to: (i) DCC Energy, the DCC Energy Group, the DCC Energy Directors and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; (ii) ECP, the ECP Responsible Persons and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; and (iii) KKR, the KKR Responsible Persons and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the Bidco Directors (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this Announcement for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
The DCC Energy Directors accept responsibility for the information contained in this Announcement, other than information relating to: (i) Bidco, the Bidco Group, the Bidco Directors and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; (ii) ECP, the ECP Responsible Persons and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; (iii) KKR, the KKR Responsible Persons and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them; and (iv) the Consortium. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the DCC Energy Directors (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this Announcement for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
Important notices relating to financial advisers
J.P. Morgan Securities plc, which conducts its UK investment banking business as J.P. Morgan Cazenove ("J.P. Morgan"), and which is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Prudential Regulation Authority (the "PRA") and regulated in the United Kingdom by the PRA and the Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA"), is acting as financial adviser exclusively to DCC Energy and for no one else in connection with the Acquisition and will not be responsible to anyone other than DCC Energy in respect of protections that may be afforded to clients of J.P. Morgan nor for providing advice in connection with the Acquisition or any matter referred to herein. Neither J.P. Morgan nor any of its affiliates (nor their respective directors, officers, employees or agents) owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of J.P. Morgan in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein, the Acquisition or otherwise. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by J.P. Morgan as to the contents of this Announcement.
UBS AG London Branch ("UBS") is authorised and regulated by the Financial Market Supervisory Authority in Switzerland. It is authorised by the PRA and subject to regulation by the FCA and limited regulation by the PRA in the United Kingdom. UBS is acting exclusively as financial adviser to DCC Energy and no one else in connection with the Acquisition. In connection with such matters, UBS will not regard any other person as its client, nor will it be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in relation to the Acquisition, the contents of this Announcement or any other matter referred to herein.
J&E Davy ("Davy"), which is authorised and regulated in Ireland by the Central Bank of Ireland and in the United Kingdom is authorised and regulated by the FCA, is acting exclusively for DCC Energy and no one else in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than DCC Energy for providing the protections afforded to clients of Davy or for providing advice in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement.
Goldman Sachs International ("Goldman Sachs"), which is authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively as financial adviser to the Consortium and Bidco, and for no one else in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Consortium or Bidco for providing the protections afforded to clients of Goldman Sachs, or for providing advice in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement. Neither Goldman Sachs nor any of Goldman Sachs' subsidiaries, affiliates or branches owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct, indirect, consequential, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Goldman Sachs in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc ("Morgan Stanley"), which is authorised by the PRA and regulated by the PRA and the FCA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively as financial adviser to the Consortium and Bidco, and for no one else in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement and neither Morgan Stanley nor any of its affiliates, nor their respective directors, officers, employees or agents will be responsible to anyone other than the Consortium or Bidco for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in relation to the possible Acquisition, the contents of this Announcement or any other matters referred to in this Announcement. Neither Morgan Stanley, its affiliates nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees and agents owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Morgan Stanley in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.
Barclays Bank PLC, acting through its Investment Bank ("Barclays"), which is authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for the Consortium and Bidco and no one else in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Consortium or Bidco for providing the protections afforded to clients of Barclays nor for providing advice in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement. Neither Barclays nor any of Barclays' subsidiaries, affiliates or branches owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct, indirect, consequential, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Barclays in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.
BNP Paribas ("BNP Paribas") is authorised and regulated by the European Central Bank and the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution. BNP Paribas is authorised by the PRA and is subject to regulation by the FCA and limited regulation by the PRA. Details about the extent of BNP Paribas' regulation by the PRA are available from BNP Paribas on request. BNP Paribas has its registered office at 16 Boulevard des Italiens, 75009 Paris, France and is registered with the Companies Registry of Paris under number 662 042 449 RCS and has ADEME identification number FR200182_01XHWE. BNP Paribas London Branch is registered in the UK under number FC13447 and UK establishment number BR000170, and its UK establishment office address is 10 Harewood Avenue, London NW1 6AA. BNP Paribas is acting as financial adviser exclusively for the Consortium and Bidco and no one else in connection with the matters described in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Consortium or Bidco for providing the protections afforded to clients of BNP Paribas or for providing advice in relation to the matters described in this Announcement or any transaction or arrangement referred to herein.
No Offer or Solicitation
This Announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to, and does not, constitute or form any part of any offer or invitation, or the solicitation of an offer, to purchase or otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to the Acquisition or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. The Acquisition will be made solely by means of the Scheme Document (or, if applicable, the Takeover Offer Document), which will contain the full terms and conditions of the Acquisition, including details of how to vote in respect of the Acquisition. Any decision in respect of, or other response to, the Acquisition, should be made only on the basis of the information contained in the Scheme Document (or, if applicable, the Takeover Offer Document).
This Announcement does not constitute a prospectus or a prospectus equivalent document.
If you are in any doubt about the contents of this Announcement or the action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own independent financial advice immediately from your appropriately authorised independent financial adviser.
Notice to U.S. Shareholders in DCC Energy
The Acquisition relates to the shares of an Irish company and is being made by means of a scheme of arrangement provided for under the Act. A transaction effected by means of a scheme of arrangement is not subject to the tender offer or proxy solicitation rules under the U.S. Exchange Act. Accordingly, the Acquisition is subject to the disclosure requirements and practices applicable in Ireland for a public acquisition by scheme of arrangement, which differ from the disclosure requirements of the U.S. tender offer and proxy solicitation rules.
The financial information included in this Announcement has been prepared in accordance with IFRS and thus may not be comparable to financial information of U.S. companies or companies whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
It may be difficult for holders of DCC Energy Shares in the United States (the "U.S. shareholders") to enforce any rights or claims arising out of U.S. federal securities laws in connection with the Acquisition, since Bidco and DCC Energy are organised and located in non-U.S. jurisdictions, and some or all of their officers and directors may be residents of non-U.S. jurisdictions. U.S. shareholders may not be able to sue a non-U.S. company or its officers or directors in a non-U.S. court for violations of U.S. securities laws. Further, it may be difficult to compel a non-U.S. company and its affiliates to subject themselves to the jurisdiction and judgment of a U.S. court.
U.S. shareholders also should be aware that the transaction contemplated herein may have tax consequences in the United States and that such consequences, if any, are not described herein. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult with legal, tax and financial advisers.
In accordance with, and to the extent permitted by, the Irish Takeover Rules and normal Irish and UK market practice and Rule 14e-5(b) of the U.S. Exchange Act, J.P. Morgan, UBS, Davy, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Barclays and BNP Paribas and their respective affiliates may continue to act as exempt principal traders or exempt market makers in DCC Energy Shares on the London Stock Exchange and may engage in certain other purchasing activities consistent with their respective usual practices and applicable law. In addition, in compliance with the Irish Takeover Rules, members of the Bidco Group, certain affiliates or their respective nominees or brokers (acting as agents) may from time to time make certain purchases of, or arrangements to purchase, DCC Energy securities other than pursuant to the Acquisition, either in the open market at prevailing prices or through privately negotiated purchases at negotiated prices.
Any information about such purchases will be disclosed to the Irish Takeover Panel and, to the extent that such information is required to be publicly disclosed in Ireland in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, will be made available via a Regulatory Information Service on the London Stock Exchange's website, www.londonstockexchange.com. This information will also be publicly disclosed in the United States to the extent that such information is made public in Ireland.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Announcement contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to Bidco, ECP, KKR and DCC Energy. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as "anticipate", "target", "expect", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "prepare", "believe", "will", "may", "would", "could" or "should" or other words of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements include statements relating to the following: (i) future capital expenditures, expenses, revenues, budgets, economic performance, financial conditions, dividend policy, losses and future prospects; (ii) business and management strategies and the expansion and growth of the operations of members of the Bidco Group, ECP, KKR or the DCC Energy Group; and (iii) the effects of government regulation on the business of members of the Bidco Group, ECP, KKR or the DCC Energy Group.
These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of any such person, or industry results, to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the present and future business strategies of such persons and the environment in which each will operate in the future. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All subsequent oral or written forward-looking statements attributable to Bidco, ECP, KKR or DCC Energy (or any member of the Bidco Group or the DCC Energy Group) or any persons acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement above. Neither Bidco, ECP, KKR nor DCC Energy (nor any member of the Bidco Group or the DCC Energy Group) undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise forward-looking or other statements contained in this Announcement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required.
Disclosure requirements of the Irish Takeover Rules
Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Irish Takeover Rules, any person 'interested' (directly or indirectly) in 1% or more of any class of 'relevant securities' of DCC Energy must disclose all 'dealings' in such 'relevant securities' during the 'offer period'. The disclosure of a 'dealing' in 'relevant securities' by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This requirement will continue until the 'offer period' ends. If two or more persons co-operate on the basis of any agreement either express or tacit, either oral or written, to acquire an 'interest' in 'relevant securities' of the offeree company, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3 of the Irish Takeover Rules. A dealing disclosure must contain the details specified in Rule 8.6(b) of the Irish Takeover Rules, including details of the dealing concerned and of the person's interests and short positions in any 'relevant securities' of DCC Energy.
All 'dealings' in 'relevant securities' of DCC Energy by Bidco, or by any party Acting in Concert with Bidco, must also be disclosed by no later than 12.00 p.m. (London time) on the 'business' day following the date of the relevant transaction. If two or more persons co-operate on the basis of an agreement, either express or tacit, either oral or written, to acquire for one or more of them an interest in relevant securities, they will be deemed to be a single person for these purposes.
Disclosure tables, giving details of the companies in whose 'relevant securities' and 'dealings' should be disclosed, can be found on the Irish Takeover Panel's website at www.irishtakeoverpanel.ie.
'Interests' in securities arise, in summary, when a person has long economic exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an 'interest' by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities.
If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required to disclose a dealing under Rule 8, please consult the Irish Takeover Panel's website at www.irishtakeoverpanel.ie or contact the Irish Takeover Panel on telephone number +353 1 678 9020.
Terms in quotation marks in this section are defined in the Irish Takeover Rules, which can also be found on the Irish Takeover Panel's website.
No profit forecast or estimate
No statement in this Announcement is intended as a profit forecast or estimate for any period and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings or earnings per share, for Bidco, ECP, KKR or DCC Energy respectively, for the current or future financial years, would necessarily match or exceed any historical published earnings or earnings per share for Bidco, ECP, KKR or DCC Energy respectively. No statement in this Announcement constitutes an estimate of the anticipated financial effects of the Acquisition.
Right to switch to a Takeover Offer
Bidco reserves the right to elect, subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, compliance with the Irish Takeover Rules and with the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel (if required), to implement the Acquisition by way of a Takeover Offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of DCC Energy (other than any Excluded Shares) as an alternative to the Scheme. In such an event, the Takeover Offer will be implemented on terms at least as favourable to DCC Energy Shareholders, so far as applicable, as those which would apply to the Scheme and subject to the amendments referred to in Appendix I to this Announcement and in the Transaction Agreement.
Publication on website
Pursuant to Rule 26.1 of the Irish Takeover Rules, this Announcement will be made available, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted Jurisdictions, on the Acquisition Websites, in each case by no later than 12:00 p.m. (London time) on the Business Day following the date of this Announcement. Neither the content of any such website, nor the content of any other website accessible from hyperlinks on such website, is incorporated into, or forms part of, this Announcement.
Availability of hard copies
Any DCC Energy Shareholder or DCC Energy Participant may request a copy of this Announcement in hard copy form by submitting a request in writing to Company Secretary, DCC Energy plc, Leopardstown Road, Foxrock, Dublin 18, Ireland or by email to companysecretary@dcc.ie or by calling telephone number +353 (01) 279 9400 between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. (London time), Monday to Friday (excluding Irish public holidays). Any written requests must include the identity of the DCC Energy Shareholder or DCC Energy Participant (as applicable) and hard copy documents will be posted to the address of the DCC Energy Shareholder or DCC Energy Participant provided in the written request.
A hard copy of this Announcement will not be sent to any DCC Energy Shareholder or DCC Energy Participant unless such a request is made. Any DCC Energy Shareholder or DCC Energy Participant making any such request may also request that all future documents, announcements and information required to be sent to that person by DCC Energy or Bidco, as the case may be, in relation to the Acquisition should be sent by DCC Energy or Bidco to that person in hard copy form.
Rounding
Certain figures included in this Announcement have been subjected to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown for the same category presented in different tables or forms may vary slightly and figures shown as totals in certain tables or forms may not be an exact arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.
General
The laws of certain jurisdictions may affect the availability of the Acquisition to persons who are not resident in Ireland or the United Kingdom. Persons who are not resident in Ireland or the United Kingdom, or who are subject to the laws of any jurisdiction other than Ireland or the United Kingdom, should inform themselves about, and observe, any applicable legal or regulatory requirements. Any failure to comply with any applicable legal or regulatory requirements may constitute a violation of the laws and/or regulations of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons involved in the Acquisition disclaim any responsibility and liability for the violation of such restrictions by any person. Further details in relation to Overseas Shareholders will be contained in the Scheme Document.
This Announcement has been prepared for the purpose of complying with the laws of Ireland and the Irish Takeover Rules and the information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been disclosed if this Announcement had been prepared in accordance with the laws of jurisdictions outside of Ireland.
The Acquisition will not be made available, directly or indirectly, in any Restricted Jurisdiction, and the Acquisition will not be capable of acceptance from within a Restricted Jurisdiction. The release, publication or distribution of this Announcement in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in, into or from certain jurisdictions may be restricted by the laws of those jurisdictions. Accordingly, copies of this Announcement and all other documents relating to the Acquisition are not being, and must not be, released, published, mailed or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in, into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction. Persons receiving such documents (including, without limitation, nominees, trustees and custodians) should observe these restrictions. Failure to do so may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Bidco, ECP, KKR and DCC Energy disclaim any responsibility or liability for the violations of any such restrictions by any person.
APPENDIX I
CONDITIONS AND CERTAIN FURTHER TERMS OF THE ACQUISITION AND THE SCHEME
Terms defined in Appendix III shall have the same meaning where used in this Appendix I.
Part A: Conditions to the Acquisition and the Scheme
The Acquisition and the Scheme will be subject to the following conditions:
End Date
1 The Acquisition will be conditional upon the Scheme becoming Effective by no later than 23:59 (London time) on the End Date.
Scheme Approval
2 The Scheme will be subject to the following conditions:
2.1 the approval of the Scheme Meeting Resolution by the members of each class of DCC Energy Shareholders present and voting, either in person or by proxy, at the Scheme Meeting(s) representing, at the Voting Record Time, at least three-fourths (75%) in value of the DCC Energy Shares of that class held by such DCC Energy Shareholders present and voting;
2.2 the EGM Resolutions being duly passed by the requisite majority of DCC Energy Shareholders at the EGM;
2.3 the sanction by the High Court (with or without material modification), but subject to any such modification being acceptable to each of Bidco and DCC Energy (each acting reasonably), of the Scheme pursuant to Chapter 1 of Part 9 of the Act and the High Court having confirmed the related reduction of capital involved therein (the date on which the condition in this paragraph 2.3 is satisfied, the "Sanction Date"); and
2.4 delivery of a copy of the Court Order and the minute required by Section 86 of the Act in respect of the related reduction of capital to the Registrar of Companies, and the Court Order and such minute being registered by the Registrar of Companies.
3 Bidco and DCC Energy have agreed that, subject to Part B of this Appendix I, the Acquisition will also be conditional upon the following matters having been satisfied or waived on or before the Sanction Date:
4 Antitrust
4.1 Albania
The Albanian Competition Authority having issued its approval to the consummation of the Acquisition, or Bidco having received confirmation from the Albanian Competition Authority that it has not issued and will not issue any order prohibiting or restricting the Acquisition.
4.2 Australia
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ("ACCC") having either (i) determined the Acquisition can be put into effect, and that determination has not expired or been appealed, or (ii) if such ACCC determination that the Acquisition can be put into effect is appealed prior to expiry of the prescribed period to appeal the ACCC's determination with the Australia Competition Tribunal, when this appeal is dismissed or the Australia Competition Tribunal upholds the ACCC's determination and/or makes its own determination that the Acquisition can be put into effect, or (iii) confirmed that no filing is required, or (iv) any applicable statutory waiting period having expired or been terminated.
4.3 Canada
One of the following having occurred with respect to the Acquisition: (i) the issuance of a certificate pursuant to section 102 of the Competition Act (Canada); or (ii) the expiry, termination or waiver of the applicable waiting period under Part IX of the Competition Act (Canada).
4.4 European Union
(a) The European Commission issuing a decision under Articles 6(1)(a), 6(1)(b), 6(2), 8(1) or 8(2) of Council Regulation (EC) 139/2004 (as amended) (the "Regulation"), in relation to the Acquisition or any matter arising from or relating to the Acquisition (or being deemed to have taken such a decision under Article 10 of the Regulation).
(b) Each of ECP and KKR separately notifying the Acquisition to the European Commission pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market (the "Foreign Subsidies Regulation") and either, for both notifications: (i) the European Commission having adopted a decision at the conclusion of its preliminary review or in-depth investigation that the Acquisition does not involve foreign subsidies distorting the internal market and may be completed without conditions; or (ii) the European Commission having adopted a decision that the Acquisition involves foreign subsidies that could distort the internal market but permits the Acquisition subject to commitments or redressive measures; or (iii) the European Commission confirming in writing that the Acquisition does not fall within the scope of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation or is otherwise not subject to notification; or (iv) any applicable statutory review period under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, including any extension thereof, having expired without the European Commission having issued a decision to prohibit the Acquisition.
4.5 Israel
One of the following having occurred: (i) an exemption from filing merger notifications having been declared to apply (by means of a no-action letter); or (ii) the Israeli Competition Authority having issued a decision to approve the Acquisition or all relevant parts of it pursuant to the Economic Competition Law 5748-1988.
4.6 Serbia
A final and binding decision (in Serbian: pravnosnažno rešenje) of the Commission for Protection of Competition of the Republic of Serbia approving the implementation of the Acquisition in accordance with the Law on Protection of Competition ("Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia", No. 51/2009, 95/2013 and 35/2026 - other law).
4.7 Switzerland
The Swiss Competition Commission ("ComCo") either: (i) having cleared the Acquisition; (ii) having confirmed in writing that it does not intend to open an in-depth examination (Phase 2 proceedings) under Article 33 of the Swiss Federal Act on Cartels and Other Restraints of Competition of 6 October 1995 (the "Swiss Cartel Act") in relation to the Acquisition; or (iii) the one-month waiting period under Article 32(1) of the Swiss Cartel Act having expired without ComCo having notified the parties of a decision to open such an examination.
4.8 Turkey
The Turkish Competition Authority pursuant to Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition and the relevant Communiqués (Communiqué No. 2010/4, as amended by Communiqué No. 2017/2, Communiqué No. 2022/2 and Communiqué No. 2026/2) either (i) having issued a decision that the Acquisition does not significantly impede effective competition in any market in Turkey and may be completed without conditions; or (ii) having issued a decision approving the Acquisition subject to commitments, undertakings or conditions; or (iii) having confirmed in writing that the Acquisition is not subject to merger control in Turkey; or (iv) any applicable statutory review period, including any extensions thereof, having expired without the Turkish Competition Authority having issued a decision to prohibit the Acquisition.
4.9 United Kingdom
(a) A briefing paper is submitted to the UK Competition & Markets Authority ("CMA") in respect of the Acquisition and one of the following has occurred,
(i) the CMA having indicated in writing (including in the form of an e-mail) in a response to a briefing paper submitted by Bidco that the CMA has no further questions at this stage in relation to the Acquisition (or words to that effect); and as at the date on which all other Conditions to the Acquisition are satisfied or waived, the CMA has not:
(A) subsequently requested further information in relation to the Acquisition or submission of a merger notice;
(B) given notice to either party that it is commencing a Phase I investigation;
(C) indicated that the statutory review period in which the CMA has to decide whether to make a reference under section 34ZA of the Enterprise Act 2002 has begun; or
(D) requested documents or attendance by witnesses under section 109 of the Enterprise Act 2002 which may indicate that it intends to commence the aforementioned statutory review period in respect of the Acquisition; or
(b) where the CMA has commenced an investigation following the submission of a merger notice or a briefing paper:
(i) the CMA having decided not to refer the Acquisition nor any matter arising from or relating to the Acquisition to the chair of the CMA for the constitution of a group under Schedule 4 to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (a "Phase 2 CMA reference"); or
(ii) if a Phase 2 CMA reference is made, the CMA either:
(A) concluding in a report published in accordance with section 38 of the Enterprise Act 2002 that neither the Acquisition nor any matter arising from or relating to the Acquisition may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK for goods or services; or
(B) otherwise allowing the Acquisition and any matter arising from or relating to the Acquisition to proceed.
4.10 United States of America
Insofar as the Acquisition satisfies the premerger notification thresholds identified in the United States Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), all filings having been made and all or any applicable waiting periods (including any extensions thereof or any time periods set forth in any timing agreements with the United States antitrust authorities) under the HSR Act and the rules and regulations thereunder having expired, lapsed or been terminated as appropriate in each case in respect of the Acquisition, or any matters arising from the Acquisition; and no law, injunction (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent), or legal order having been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any United States federal or state court or antitrust authority of competent jurisdiction which prevents, makes illegal, prohibits, restrains or enjoins the consummation of the Acquisition.
5 Foreign direct investment and national security
5.1 Austria
The Austrian Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism: (i) having granted a legally binding non-jurisdiction decision or such a decision being deemed to have been granted; (ii) having granted unconditional and legally binding clearance under the Austrian Investment Control Act (the "ICA"); or (iii) having granted unconditional and legally binding clearance by means of the expiry of the deadline provided by the ICA for the review of the Acquisition without the adoption of an express decision; or (iv) having granted conditional clearance under the ICA.
5.2 Belgium
The Interfederal Screening Commission (the "ISC"): (i) having decided that the Acquisition does not fall within the scope of the Belgian Cooperation Agreement of 30 November 2022 establishing a foreign direct investment screening mechanism (the "Belgian Cooperation Agreement"); (ii) having granted (or being deemed as of right, or by operation of the Belgian Cooperation Agreement, to have been granted by the ISC) unconditional clearance under the Belgian Cooperation Agreement; (iii) having granted unconditional clearance by means of the expiry of the time limits set by the Belgian Cooperation Agreement for the review of the Acquisition without the adoption of an express decision; or (iv) having granted (or being deemed as of right, or by operation of the Belgian Cooperation Agreement, to have been granted by the ISC) conditional clearance under the Belgian Cooperation Agreement.
5.3 Canada
The requisite notification having been filed and (i) the prescribed period within which the Minister responsible for the administration of the Investment Canada Act (the "Investment Canada Act") (the "Canadian Minister") may send a notice pursuant to section 25.2(1) of the Investment Canada Act having expired without the Canadian Minister having sent such a notice; or (ii) if the Canadian Minister has sent a notice pursuant to section 25.2(1) or made an order pursuant to section 25.3(2) of the Investment Canada Act, then the Canadian Minister also having sent a notice under section 25.2(4), section 25.3(6)(b), or section 25.3(6)(c) or the Governor in Council having made an order under section 25.4(2) (in such case, providing notice of an order under section 25.4(1)(b)) on the basis of undertakings, if applicable.
5.4 Denmark
The Danish Business Authority: (i) having granted unconditional clearance under the Consolidated Act No. 1256 of 27 October 2023 on Screening of Certain Foreign Direct Investments in Denmark as amended and supplemented ("Danish FDI Law"); (ii) having granted conditional clearance under the Danish FDI Law; or (iii) having confirmed that it does not assume jurisdiction over the Acquisition.
5.5 France
Either: (i) the necessary authorisation of the Acquisition by the French Minister for Economy pursuant to Articles L. 151-3 et seq. and/or R. 151-1 et seq. of the French Monetary and Financial Code has been obtained; or (ii) an out-of-scope decision by which the French Minister for Economy confirms that the Acquisition does not fall within the scope of Article L. 151-3 of the French Monetary and Financial Code has been obtained.
5.6 Germany
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie - "BMWE"): (i) having cleared the Acquisition (Freigabe); or (ii) having granted a certificate of non-objection (Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung); or (iii) the applicable review periods having expired or elapsed without the BMWE having delivered a decision to either open formal review proceedings or to prohibit the Acquisition; or (iv) having confirmed that it does not assume jurisdiction over the Acquisition.
5.7 Ireland
(a) Either:
(i) the Irish Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment (the "Irish Minister") issues a screening decision under Section 16(1) of the Irish Screening of Third Country Transactions Act 2023 (the "Irish FDI Act") that (A) the Acquisition does not, or would not be likely to, affect the security or public order of Ireland, such that the Acquisition may be completed without conditions or (B) the Acquisition affects, or would be likely to affect, the security or public order of Ireland and may be completed subject to conditions specified by the Irish Minister pursuant to Section 18(3)(a) of the Irish FDI Act; or
(ii) the Irish Minister has not made a screening decision under Section 16(1) of the Irish FDI Act within the period applicable to the Acquisition under Section 16(3) of the Irish FDI Act (subject to Section 20 of the Irish FDI Act); or
(iii) confirmation from the Irish Minister in the form of a 'letter of no jurisdiction' or similar that mandatory screening under the Irish FDI Act does not apply in respect of the Acquisition.
5.8 Luxembourg
The requisite notification having been made and the Luxembourg Minister for the Economy: (i) having notified Bidco that the Acquisition will not be subject to a screening procedure under the Luxembourg law of 14 July 2023 establishing a national screening mechanism for foreign direct investments likely to undermine security or public order, as amended (the "Luxembourg FDI Law"); or (ii) having authorised the Acquisition under the Luxembourg FDI Law; or (iii) having confirmed that the Acquisition does not fall within the scope of the Luxembourg FDI Law or is otherwise not subject to notification thereunder.
5.9 Slovakia
A final decision (in Slovak: právoplatné) on approval of the Acquisition as foreign investment issued by the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic under Act No. 497/2022 Coll. on Screening of Foreign Investments, as amended.
5.10 Sweden
The requisite notification having been made and the Inspectorate of Strategic Products either: (i) having confirmed that no further action will be taken under Sw. lagen (2023:560) om granskning av utländska direktinvesteringar ("the Swedish FDI Act") in relation to the Acquisition; or (ii) having granted an approval decision under the Swedish FDI Act in respect of the Acquisition, the provisions of which allow the Acquisition to proceed.
5.11 United Kingdom
(a) The requisite notification having been made and the Secretary of State either: (i) confirming that no further action will be taken under the National Security and Investment Act (the "NSI Act") in relation to the Acquisition; or (ii) making a final order under the NSI Act in respect of the Acquisition, the provisions of which allow the Acquisition to proceed; or
(b) If, prior to the date on which all other Conditions are satisfied or waived, the Secretary of State issues a call-in notice within the meaning of the NSI Act in relation to the Acquisition, the Secretary of State: (i) confirming that no further action will be taken under the NSI Act in relation to the Acquisition; or (ii) making a final order under the NSI Act in respect of the Acquisition, the provisions of which allow the Acquisition to proceed.
6 General antitrust and regulatory
6.1 Other than in respect of or in connection with the Conditions set out in paragraphs 4, 5 and 7, and to the extent material to the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole:
(a) all notifications, filings and applications in any jurisdiction which are or become necessary having been made;
(b) all applicable waiting and other time periods, including any extensions thereof, during which any Governmental Body or other Third Party could decide to take, institute, implement or threaten any action, proceeding, suit, investigation, enquiry, reference or any other step under the laws of any jurisdiction in respect of the Acquisition or the acquisition or proposed acquisition of any DCC Energy Shares, or otherwise intervene, having expired, lapsed or been terminated;
(c) all necessary statutory or regulatory obligations in any jurisdiction having been complied with,
in each case in respect of the Acquisition including, without limitation, the proposed direct or indirect acquisition of any shares or other securities in, or control of, DCC Energy or any member of the Wider DCC Energy Group by any member of the Wider Bidco Group.
6.2 Other than in respect of or in connection with the Conditions set out in paragraphs 4, 5 and 7, all material Authorisations which are necessary in any jurisdiction in respect of the Acquisition including, without limitation, the proposed direct or indirect acquisition of any shares or other securities in, or control of, DCC Energy or any member of the Wider DCC Energy Group by any member of the Wider Bidco Group having been obtained from all appropriate Third Parties or persons with whom any member of the DCC Energy Group has entered into contractual arrangements.
6.3 Other than in respect of or in connection with the Conditions set out in paragraphs 4, 5 and 7, all Authorisations which are material in the context of the Wider Bidco Group or the DCC Energy Group (each as a whole) and are or become necessary to carry on the business of any member of the DCC Energy Group having been obtained and remaining in full force and effect and all filings necessary for the purpose of maintaining such Authorisations having been made and there being no notice of any intention to revoke, suspend, restrict, modify or not to renew any of the same.
6.4 Other than in respect of or in connection with the Conditions set out in paragraphs 4, 5 and 7, no (i) Law, (ii) injunction, restraint or prohibition by any court of competent jurisdiction, or (iii) injunction, order, prohibition by any Governmental Body shall have been enacted or entered and shall continue to be in effect, and no Governmental Body having notified its decision publicly or to any member of the DCC Energy Group to take, institute, implement or threaten (and, in each case, not having withdrawn the same) any action, proceeding, suit, investigation, enquiry or reference, or having enacted or made any statute, regulation, order, decision or change to published practice (and, in each case, not having withdrawn the same), and there not continuing to be outstanding any such statute, regulation, order or decision, which in each case would or would reasonably be expected to (in each case to an extent or in a manner which is material in the context of, and adverse to, the Acquisition):
(a) make the Acquisition or its implementation, or the acquisition or proposed acquisition by Bidco or any member of the Wider Bidco Group of any shares or other securities in, or control or management of, DCC Energy, or any of the material assets of DCC Energy void, illegal or unenforceable or otherwise, directly or indirectly, materially restrain, revoke, prohibit, materially restrict or delay the same or impose materially additional or different conditions or obligations with respect thereto which would, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole;
(b) result in (i) a material delay in the ability of Bidco or any member of the Wider Bidco Group, or render Bidco or any member of the Wider Bidco Group unable, to acquire some or all of the DCC Energy Shares or (ii) any divestiture of, or requirement to hold separate (including by establishing a trust or otherwise), or agree to restrict in any material respect, its ownership or operation of, any material portion of the business or assets of DCC Energy, or (iii) a requirement to enter into any settlement, consent decree, or undertaking (in each case being materially adverse to the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole), with respect to any material portion of the business or assets of the DCC Energy Group;
(c) impose any material limitation on or result in a material delay in the ability of Bidco or any member of the Wider Bidco Group to acquire, or to hold or to exercise effectively, directly or indirectly, all or any rights of ownership of shares, DCC Energy Shares (or the equivalent) in, or to exercise voting or management control over, DCC Energy or any material member of the DCC Energy Group or on the ability of any member of the DCC Energy Group to hold or exercise effectively, directly or indirectly, rights of ownership of shares (or the equivalent) in, or to exercise rights of voting or management control over, any material member of the DCC Energy Group;
(d) require any member of the Wider Bidco Group or any material member of the DCC Energy Group to sell, divest, hold separate, or otherwise dispose of all or any material part of their respective businesses, operations, product lines or assets or property or to prevent or materially delay any of the above;
(e) impose any material limitation on the ability of all or any material member of the DCC Energy Group to conduct their respective businesses (or any part thereof) or to own, control or manage any of their material assets or material properties (or any part thereof);
(f) require any member of the Wider Bidco Group or any member of the DCC Energy Group to acquire or offer to acquire any shares or other securities (or the equivalent) in, or any interest in any asset owned by, any member of the DCC Energy Group or owned by any third party where the cost of doing so would be material in value terms in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole;
(g) require, prevent or materially delay any divestiture, by any member of the Wider Bidco Group of any DCC Energy Shares or any other securities (or the equivalent) in DCC Energy;
(h) except where the consequences thereof would not be material (in value terms or otherwise) in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole, impose any limitation on the ability of Bidco or any member of the Wider Bidco Group to integrate or co-ordinate its business, or any part of it, with the businesses of any member of the DCC Energy Group;
(i) result in any material member of the DCC Energy Group ceasing to be able to carry on business in any jurisdiction in which it currently operates, which cessation would be material in the context of the operations of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole;
(j) require any member of the DCC Energy Group to relinquish, terminate or amend in any material way any material contract to which any member of the DCC Energy Group or any member of the Wider Bidco Group is a party;
(k) cause any member of the DCC Energy Group to cease to be entitled to any Authorisations in any jurisdiction in which it currently operates;
(l) otherwise adversely affect the business, operations, profits, assets, liabilities, financial or trading position of any material member of the DCC Energy Group; or
(m) prohibit or prevent consummation of the Acquisition.
7 Financial regulatory
The CBI having notified in writing Bidco, and each other person required to seek prior approval under Regulation 60 of the European Union (Insurance and Reinsurance) Regulations, 2015 ("Solvency II Regulations") to acquire a "Qualifying Holding" (as such term is defined under Solvency II Regulations) in DCC Group Insurances DAC in connection with the Acquisition (the "Proposed Qualifying Holder(s)"), that it does not oppose (or being deemed as having given its approval under Regulation 67(4) of the Solvency II Regulations) in respect of each Proposed Qualifying Holder that will, subject to CBI approval, indirectly acquire a qualifying holding in DCC Group Insurances DAC as a result of the Acquisition becoming Effective.
8 Other Third Party clearances
Other than in respect of or in connection with the Conditions set out in paragraphs 4, 5, 6 and 7 the waiver (or non-exercise within any applicable time limits) by any Third Party of any termination right, right of pre-emption, first refusal or similar right (which is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole or in the context of the Acquisition) arising as a result of or in connection with the Acquisition including, without limitation, the proposed direct or indirect acquisition of any shares or other securities in, or control or management of, DCC Energy by Bidco or any member of the Wider Bidco Group.
9 Anti-corruption, economic sanctions and money laundering
Except as Disclosed, Bidco not having discovered after the date of this Announcement that:
9.1 any past or present member of the Wider DCC Energy Group, any past or present, director, officer or employee of each member of the Wider DCC Energy Group or any person that performs or has performed services for or on behalf of any such company is or has at any time while performing such services engaged in any activity, practice or conduct (or omitted to take any action) in contravention of the Irish Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act 2018, the UK Bribery Act 2010, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended or, to the extent material to the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole, any other applicable anti-corruption or anti-bribery law, rule or regulation or any other applicable law, rule, or regulation concerning improper payments or kickbacks, or any applicable anti-money laundering law;
9.2 (i) any past or present member of the Wider DCC Energy Group, (ii) any past or present director, officer or employee of each member of the Wider DCC Energy Group, (iii) any person that performs or has performed services for or on behalf of any such company, is or has at any time whilst performing such services directly or knowingly indirectly engaged in any activity, transaction, conduct or business with, made any investments in, made any funds or assets available to or received any funds or assets from:
(a) any government, entity or individual in respect of which US, UK or EU persons, or persons operating in those territories, are (or were at the time of such dealings, investments, or transactions) prohibited from engaging in activities or doing business, or from receiving or making available funds or economic resources, by US, UK or EU (or any of its member states) or other applicable Laws, including the economic, financial, or trade sanctions administered by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control, or HM Treasury; or
(b) any government, entity or individual targeted by any of the economic, financial, or trade sanctions of the United Nations, the UK or the EU (or any of their respective member states) or the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control or any other governmental or supranational body or authority in any jurisdiction or any entity or individual acting on behalf of any of the foregoing (each a "Restricted Person");
9.3 any member, director, officer or employee of each member of the Wider DCC Energy Group or any person that performs services for or on behalf of any such company is a Restricted Person;
9.4 a member of the Wider DCC Energy Group has engaged in a transaction which would cause any member of the Wider Bidco Group to be in breach of any law or regulation on completion of the Acquisition, including the economic sanctions administered by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control or HM Treasury or the Irish Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Irish Department of Finance, the Central Bank of Ireland, the Irish courts or any government, entity or individual targeted by any of the economic sanctions of the United Nations, United States, UK or the EU or any of its member states; or
9.5 any past or present member of the Wider DCC Energy Group or any past or present director, officer or employee of each member of the Wider DCC Energy Group, or any other person for whom any such person is deemed pursuant to applicable laws to be liable:
(a) has engaged in conduct which would violate any relevant anti-terrorism laws, rules, or regulations, including but not limited to the U.S. Anti-Terrorism Act;
(b) has engaged in conduct which would violate any relevant economic, financial or trade sanctions, including but not limited to the economic sanctions of the United States Office of Foreign Assets Controls or HM Treasury;
(c) has engaged in conduct which would violate any relevant anti-boycott law, rule, or regulation or any applicable export controls, including but not limited to the Export Administration Regulations administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of Commerce or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of State;
(d) has engaged in conduct which would violate any relevant laws, rules, or regulations concerning human rights, including but not limited to any law, rule, or regulation concerning false imprisonment, torture or other cruel and unusual punishment, or child labour; or
(e) is debarred or otherwise rendered ineligible to bid, or be awarded any contract of business under regulation 57 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, regulation 80 of the Utilities Contracts Regulation 2016, regulation 57 of the Irish European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulation 2026 or regulation 89 of the Irish European Union (Award of Contracts by Utility Undertakings) Regulations 2016 (each as amended), as a result of a breach of applicable law, for or to perform contracts for or with any government, governmental instrumentality, or international organization or found to have violated any applicable law, rule, or regulation concerning government contracting or public procurement.
10 No criminal property
Except as Disclosed, Bidco not having discovered that any asset of any member of the Wider DCC Energy Group constitutes criminal property as defined by section 340(3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, (but disregarding paragraph (b) of that definition) or proceeds of crime under any other applicable law, rule, or regulation concerning money laundering or proceeds of crime or any member of the Wider DCC Energy Group is found to have engaged in activities constituting money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 or any applicable law, rule, or regulation concerning money laundering.
11 Termination of the Transaction Agreement
The Transaction Agreement not having been terminated as a consequence of any of the following events having occurred (such events (including those set out in the Condition in paragraph 13 below) being the events set out in the Transaction Agreement following the occurrence of which the Transaction Agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms):
11.1 if the Acquisition is to be implemented by way of a Scheme, by either DCC Energy or Bidco, if the Scheme Meeting or the EGM have been completed and the Scheme Meeting Resolution or the EGM Resolutions, as applicable, have not been approved by the requisite majorities of DCC Energy Shareholders;
11.2 by either DCC Energy or Bidco if both (a) the Effective Time has not occurred by 23:59 on the End Date and (b) the Acquisition has lapsed or been terminated with the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel;
11.3 if the Acquisition is to be implemented by way of a Scheme, by either DCC Energy or Bidco, if the High Court declines or refuses to sanction the Scheme unless the parties to the Transaction Agreement agree within thirty (30) days of such decision that the decision of the High Court shall be appealed (it being agreed that DCC Energy shall make such an appeal if requested to do so by Bidco and the Scheme Counsel appointed in accordance with clause 3.1.2 of the Transaction Agreement advises that such an appeal has a reasonable prospect of success (for the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of clause 3.1.6 of the Transaction Agreement shall apply to such appeal));
11.4 by either DCC Energy or Bidco if:
(a) an injunction has been entered permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Acquisition and such injunction has become final and non-appealable;
(b) such injunction results in a Condition being incapable of satisfaction by the End Date; and
(c) the invocation of such Condition is permitted by the Irish Takeover Panel, where such permission of the Irish Takeover Panel is required pursuant to the Irish Takeover Rules;
11.5 by either DCC Energy or Bidco, if Bidco has breached or failed to perform in any material respect any of its covenants or other agreements contained in the Transaction Agreement or any of its representations or warranties set out in the Transaction Agreement having been materially inaccurate, which material breach, failure to perform or inaccuracy:
(a) would result in a failure of any Conditions;
(b) the invocation of such Condition is permitted by the Irish Takeover Panel, where such permission of the Irish Takeover Panel is required pursuant to the Irish Takeover Rules; and
(c) is not reasonably capable of being cured by the End Date or, if curable, is not cured within thirty (30) days or, if earlier, by the End Date following DCC Energy's delivery of written notice to Bidco of such breach, failure to perform or inaccuracy (which notice shall state DCC Energy's intention to terminate the Transaction Agreement and the basis for such termination);
11.6 by either DCC Energy or Bidco, if DCC Energy has breached or failed to perform in any material respect any of its covenants or other agreements contained in the Transaction Agreement or any of its representations or warranties set out in the Transaction Agreement having been materially inaccurate, which material breach, failure to perform or inaccuracy:
(a) would result in a failure of any Condition;
(b) the invocation of such Condition is permitted by the Irish Takeover Panel, where such permission of the Irish Takeover Panel is required pursuant to the Irish Takeover Rules; and
(c) is not reasonably capable of being cured by the End Date or, if curable, is not cured within thirty (30) days or, if earlier, by the End Date following Bidco's delivery of written notice to DCC Energy of such breach, failure to perform or inaccuracy (which notice shall state Bidco's intention to terminate the Transaction Agreement and the basis for such termination);
11.7 by Bidco, if a DCC Energy Change of Recommendation has occurred;
11.8 by DCC Energy upon written notice at any time following delivery of a Final Recommendation Change Notice under and in accordance with clause 5.2.6 of the Transaction Agreement; or
11.9 by mutual written consent of DCC Energy and Bidco, subject to the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel (if required).
12 Certain matters arising as a result of any arrangement, agreement, etc.
Except as Disclosed, there being no provision of any arrangement, agreement, licence, permit, authorisation, franchise, facility, lease or other instrument to which any member of the DCC Energy Group is a party or by or to which any such member or any of its respective assets is or may be bound, entitled or subject, which, in consequence of the Acquisition or the proposed acquisition by any member of the Bidco Group of any DCC Energy Shares or other securities (or the equivalent) in or control of DCC Energy or any member of the DCC Energy Group or because of a change in the control or management of any member of the DCC Energy Group or otherwise, would or would be reasonably expected to result in any of the following (in each case to an extent which is or would be material and adverse in value terms in the context of the Wider DCC Energy Group, or the Wider Bidco Group, in either case taken as a whole):
12.1 any monies borrowed by, or any other Indebtedness or liabilities of (actual or contingent), or any grant available to any member of the DCC Energy Group being or becoming repayable, or becoming capable of being declared repayable, immediately or earlier than their stated maturity date or repayment date, or the ability of any such member to borrow monies or incur any Indebtedness being or becoming capable of being withdrawn or inhibited;
12.2 the creation, save in the ordinary course of business, or enforcement of any mortgage, charge or other security interest wherever existing or having arisen over the whole or any material part of the business, property or assets of any member of the DCC Energy Group or any such mortgage, charge or other security interest becoming enforceable;
12.3 the rights, liabilities, obligations, interests or business of any member of the DCC Energy Group under any such arrangement, agreement, licence, permit, authorisation, franchise, facility, lease or other instrument or the rights, liabilities, obligations or interests or business of any member of the DCC Energy Group in or with any other firm or company or body or person (or any arrangement or arrangements relating to any such business or interests) being or being reasonably expected to be terminated or adversely modified or affected or any onerous obligation or liability arising or any adverse action being taken thereunder;
12.4 any material assets or interests of, or any asset the use of which is enjoyed by, any member of the DCC Energy Group being or falling to be disposed of or charged or ceasing to be available to any member of the DCC Energy Group or any right arising under which any such asset or interest would be required to be disposed of or charged or would cease to be available to any member of the DCC Energy Group otherwise than in the ordinary course of business;
12.5 any member of the DCC Energy Group ceasing to be able to carry on business in any jurisdiction in which it currently operates;
12.6 the value of, or the financial or trading position of any member of the DCC Energy Group being prejudiced or adversely affected; or
12.7 the creation or acceleration of any liability or liabilities (actual or contingent) by any member of the DCC Energy Group, other than the creation of trade creditors or other liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the Acquisition,
unless, if any such provision exists, such provision shall have been waived, modified or amended on terms reasonably satisfactory to Bidco (acting reasonably).
13 Certain events occurring since the Last Accounts Date
Except as Disclosed, except in respect of any actions taken pursuant to or in connection with the Technology Disposal (subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement), and save as otherwise permitted in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement, no member of the DCC Energy Group having since the Last Accounts Date:
13.1 save as between DCC Energy and wholly-owned Subsidiaries of DCC Energy or between such wholly-owned Subsidiaries, issued, granted, conferred, or awarded or agreed to issue, grant, confer or award or authorised or proposed the issue of additional shares of any class, or any rights or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares, or rights, warrants or options to subscribe for or acquire any such shares, securities or convertible securities;
13.2 recommended, announced, declared, paid or made or proposed to recommend, announce, declare, pay or make any bonus issue, dividend or other distribution (whether in cash or otherwise), other than (a) any such bonus issue, dividend or other distribution to DCC Energy or one of its direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiaries, (b) the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration or (c) the payment of any dividends or distributions by a Subsidiary which is not wholly-owned in the ordinary course consistent with past practice;
13.3 save for the Acquisition and transactions between DCC Energy and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries or between such wholly-owned Subsidiaries, merged with (by statutory merger or otherwise) or demerged from, or acquired any body corporate, partnership or business or acquired or disposed of, other than in the ordinary course of business, or transferred, mortgaged or charged or created any security interest over, any assets or any right, title or interest in any asset (including shares and trade investments) or authorised, proposed or announced any intention to do so in each case to an extent which is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole;
13.4 save for transactions or arrangements (i) between DCC Energy and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries or between such wholly-owned Subsidiaries or (ii) in the ordinary and usual course of carrying out its current banking and debt financing activities, made, authorised, proposed or announced an intention to propose any change in its loan capital (in each case to an extent which is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole);
13.5 issued, authorised or proposed the issue of any loan capital or debentures, or (save as between DCC Energy and its wholly owned Subsidiaries or between such wholly-owned Subsidiaries) incurred or increased any Indebtedness or contingent liability over and above existing facilities currently available to the DCC Energy Group and/or any member of the DCC Energy Group, in any such case otherwise than in a manner which is materially consistent with the business of the DCC Energy Group being conducted in the ordinary and usual course;
13.6 entered into, varied, or announced its intention to enter into or vary, any contract, transaction, arrangement or commitment (whether in respect of capital expenditure or otherwise) (otherwise than in the ordinary and usual course of business) which is of a long term, unusual or onerous nature, or magnitude which is, in any such case, material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole or which would be materially restrictive on the business of any material member of the DCC Energy Group or the Wider Bidco Group;
13.7 except in the ordinary and usual course of business, entered into or materially improved the terms of, or made any offer (which remains open for acceptance) to enter into or materially improve the terms of, any employment contract, commitment or terms of appointment with any DCC Energy Director or any person occupying one of the Senior Management Team positions in the DCC Energy Group;
13.8 except in the ordinary and usual course of business or as provided for in Schedule 3 to the Transaction Agreement, proposed, agreed to provide or modified the terms of any of the DCC Energy Share Plans or any other share option scheme, incentive scheme, or other benefit relating to the employment or termination of employment of any employee of the DCC Energy Group, which in any such case would be material in the context of the incentive schemes operated by the DCC Energy Group;
13.9 made, agreed or consented to any significant change to the terms of the trust deeds (including the termination or partial termination of the trusts) constituting the pension schemes established for its directors, employees or their dependants or the benefits which accrue, or to the pensions which are payable, thereunder, or to the basis on which qualification for, or accrual or entitlement to, such benefits or pensions are calculated or determined or to the basis on which the liabilities (including pensions) of such pension schemes are funded or made, or agreed or consented to any change to the trustees involving the appointment of a trust corporation, or causing any employee of the DCC Energy Group to cease to be a member of any pension scheme by withdrawing as a participating employer in such pension scheme, or unlawfully terminating the employment of any active member of a pension scheme, or making any employee member of the DCC Energy Group redundant, or exercising any discretion under the provisions governing such pension scheme, which in any such case would be material in the context of the pension schemes operated by the DCC Energy Group;
13.10 save as between DCC Energy and wholly owned Subsidiaries of DCC Energy, purchased, redeemed or repaid or proposed the purchase, redemption or repayment of any of its own shares or other securities or reduced or, save in respect of the matters mentioned in sub-paragraph 13.1 above, made any other change to any part of its share capital to an extent which (other than in the case of DCC Energy) is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole;
13.11 waived or compromised any claim otherwise than in the ordinary and usual course of business which is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole;
13.12 save for voluntary solvent liquidations, taken or proposed any corporate action or had any legal proceedings instituted or threatened against it in respect of its winding-up, dissolution, examination or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, examiner, administrator, administrative receiver, trustee or similar officer of all or any part of its assets or revenues, or (A) having been the subject of any analogous proceedings in any jurisdiction, or (B) appointed any analogous person in any jurisdiction (except, in each case, where the consequences thereof would not be material (in value terms or otherwise) in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole);
13.13 altered the provisions of the memorandum and articles of association of any member of the DCC Energy Group the effect of which is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole;
13.14 been unable, or admitted in writing that it is unable, to pay its debts or having stopped or suspended (or threatened to stop or suspend) payment of its debts generally, or commenced negotiations with one or more of its creditors with a view to rescheduling or restructuring any of its Indebtedness, or ceased or threatened to cease carrying on all or a substantial part of its business which is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole;
13.15 other than an action which the Irish Takeover Panel has given (or has confirmed that such action does not require) its consent for the purposes of Rules 21.1(a)(ii), 21.1(a)(iv) and 21.1(a)(v), taken (or agreed to take) any action which requires, or would require, the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel or the approval of DCC Energy Shareholders in general meeting in accordance with, or as contemplated by, Rule 21.1 of the Irish Takeover Rules; or
13.16 passed any resolution or made any offer (which remains open for acceptance) with respect to or announced an intention to, or to propose to, effect any of the transactions, matters or events referred to in Condition 13.
14 No Adverse Change, Litigation, Regulatory or Similar Proceedings
Except as Disclosed, since the Last Accounts Date:
14.1 no adverse change or deterioration having occurred in the business, assets, financial or trading position, or profits of any member of the DCC Energy Group which is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole (and which has not arisen wholly or in all material respects as a result of the proposed Acquisition or general changes in economic, political, regulatory or market conditions affecting the industry in which the DCC Energy Group operates generally), and no circumstances have arisen which would or might reasonably be expected to result in such material adverse change or deterioration;
14.2 no litigation, arbitration proceedings, prosecution or other legal proceedings having been threatened, announced, implemented or instituted by or against or remaining outstanding against or in respect of any member of the DCC Energy Group or to which any member of the DCC Energy Group is or may become a party (whether as plaintiff or defendant or otherwise) which, in any such case, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole to an extent which is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole;
14.3 no contingent or other liability having arisen or being reasonably expected to arise or having become apparent to Bidco or having increased, which is or would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the business, assets, financial or trading position or profits of any member of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole to an extent which is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole;
14.4 no steps having been taken and no omissions having been made which are likely to result in the withdrawal, cancellation, termination or modification of any material licence, consent, permit or authorisation held by any member of the DCC Energy Group which is necessary for the proper carrying on of its business and the withdrawal, cancellation, termination or modification of which is material and which have affected, or are likely to adversely affect, the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole;
14.5 no member of the DCC Energy Group having conducted its business in breach of applicable laws or regulations in a manner which is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole; and
14.6 no Governmental Body has proposed, enacted or made any statute, instrument, regulation or rule or given any ruling or judgment which would materially adversely affect the business, operations, assets, financial or trading position or profits of the DCC Energy Group.
15 No discovery of certain matters
Except as Disclosed, Bidco not having discovered that any financial, business or other information concerning the DCC Energy Group, that is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole and has been disclosed publicly, is misleading or contains any misrepresentation of fact or omits to state a fact necessary to make that information not misleading and, in each case, such disclosure would be reasonably likely to materially adversely affect the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole.
16 Environmental liabilities
Except as Disclosed, Bidco not having discovered that:
16.1 any past or present member of the DCC Energy Group has failed to comply in any material respect with any applicable legislation or regulation of any jurisdiction relating to the use, treatment, handling, storage, carriage, disposal, spillage, release, discharge, leak or emission of any waste or hazardous substance or any substance likely to impair the environment (including property) or harm human health or otherwise relating to environmental matters or the health and safety of humans, which non-compliance would be likely to give rise to any material liability on the part of any member of the DCC Energy Group and which is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole; and
16.2 there is, or is likely to be any material liability of or requirement including circumstances which would be reasonably likely to lead to any Governmental Body instituting an environmental audit which would be likely to result in such a material liability on any past or present member of the DCC Energy Group to make good, remediate, repair, reinstate or clean up any property or any controlled waters now or previously owned, occupied, operated or made use of or controlled by any such past or present member of the DCC Energy Group (or on its behalf) or in which any such member may have or previously have had or be deemed to have had an interest, under any environmental legislation, regulation, notice, circular or order of any Governmental Body and which is material in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole.
17 No Change in Indebtedness; No Default
The aggregate outstanding Indebtedness of DCC Energy and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries is not greater than the total amount available to the DCC Energy Group under its existing available facilities.
Save as Disclosed, no member of the DCC Energy Group being in default under the terms or conditions of any facility or agreement or arrangement for the provision of loans, credit or drawdown facilities, or of any security, surety or guarantee in respect of any facility or agreement or arrangement for the provision of loans, credit or drawdown facilities to any member of the DCC Energy Group (save where such default is not or would not be material (in value terms or otherwise) in the context of the DCC Energy Group taken as a whole).
18 Share Plans
No options have been granted and remain unexercised under the DCC Energy Share Plans other than those Disclosed.
Part B: Waiver and Invocation of the Conditions
1 Subject to the requirements of the Irish Takeover Panel in accordance with the Irish Takeover Rules:
(a) Bidco reserves the right in its sole discretion (but shall be under no obligation) to waive (to the extent permitted by applicable Law), in whole or in part, all or any of the Conditions in paragraphs 4 to 18 (inclusive) of Part A of this Appendix I (with the exception of Condition 11.5); and
(b) DCC Energy reserves the right (but shall be under no obligation) to waive, in whole or in part, the Condition in paragraph 11.5 of Part A of this Appendix I.
2 Each of the Conditions shall be regarded as a separate Condition and shall not be limited by reference to any other Condition.
3 The invocation of any Condition set out in paragraphs 4 to 18 (inclusive) of Part A of this Appendix I is subject to the Irish Takeover Rules and the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel.
Part C: Implementation by way of Takeover Offer
1 Bidco reserves the right, subject to the prior written approval of the Irish Takeover Panel, to effect the Acquisition by way of a Takeover Offer in the circumstances described in and subject to the terms of clause 3.6 of the Transaction Agreement. Without limiting clause 3.6 of the Transaction Agreement, in such event, such offer will be implemented on terms and conditions that are at least as favourable to the DCC Energy Shareholders (except for an acceptance condition set at 80% of the nominal value of the DCC Energy Shares to which such an offer relates and which are not already in the beneficial ownership of Bidco so far as applicable, which may be waived down to a minimum percentage permitted by Rule 10.1 of the Irish Takeover Rules) as those which would apply in relation to the Scheme.
2 If, in the future, Bidco exercises its right to effect the Acquisition by way of a Takeover Offer and determines to extend the Takeover Offer into the U.S., such Takeover Offer would be made in compliance with applicable U.S. laws and regulations, including to the extent applicable the relevant rules under Section 14(e) of the U.S. Exchange Act and Regulation 14E thereunder and in accordance with the Irish Takeover Rules. Such a takeover would be made in the United States by Bidco and no one else.
3 In accordance with, and to the extent permitted by, the Irish Takeover Rules and normal Irish and UK market practice, and pursuant to Rule 14e-5(b) of the U.S. Exchange Act, members of the Wider Bidco Group, its nominees or its brokers (acting as agents), may from time to time make certain purchases of, or arrangements to purchase, shares or other securities of DCC Energy outside of the U.S., other than pursuant to the Acquisition, until the date on which the Acquisition and/or Scheme becomes effective, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices and in compliance with applicable law, including the U.S. Exchange Act. Any information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase will be disclosed as required by the Irish Takeover Rules and will be reported to a Regulatory Information Service. Such information will be available on the London Stock Exchange's website at www.londonstockexchange.com.
Part D: Certain further terms of the Acquisition
1 The Acquisition and the Scheme will comply with the Irish Takeover Rules, the Act and, where relevant, the UK Listing Rules and will be subject to the terms and conditions set out in this Announcement and to be set out in the Scheme Document.
2 If Bidco is required to make an offer for DCC Energy Shares under the provisions of Rule 9 of the Irish Takeover Rules, Bidco may make such alterations to any of the conditions set out in Part A of this Appendix I above as are necessary to comply with the provisions of that Rule 9 of the Irish Takeover Rules.
3 As required by Rule 12(b)(i) of the Irish Takeover Rules, to the extent that the Acquisition would give rise to a concentration with a community dimension within the scope of the EU Merger Regulation, the Scheme shall, except as otherwise approved by the Irish Takeover Panel, lapse if the European Commission initiates proceedings in respect of that concentration under Article 6(1)(c) of the EU Merger Regulation or refers the concentration to a competent authority of an EEA member state under Article 9(1) of the EU Merger Regulation prior to the date of the Scheme Meeting(s).
4 Bidco reserves the right for one or more of its Subsidiaries or another company directly or indirectly wholly owned by the Consortium from time to time to implement the Acquisition with the prior written approval of the Irish Takeover Panel.
5 Any references in the Conditions to a Condition being "satisfied" upon receipt of any order, clearance, approval or consent from a Governmental Body shall be construed as meaning that the foregoing have been obtained, or where appropriate, made, terminated or expired in accordance with the relevant Condition.
6 The availability of the Acquisition to persons not resident in Ireland or the United Kingdom may be affected by the laws of the relevant jurisdiction. Any persons who are subject to the laws of, or are otherwise resident in, any jurisdiction other than Ireland or the United Kingdom should inform themselves about and observe any applicable requirements. Further information in relation to Overseas Shareholders will be contained in the Scheme Document.
7 If on, or after, the date of this Announcement and prior to the Effective Time, any dividend and/or other distribution and/or other return of capital is announced, declared, made or paid or becomes payable in respect of the DCC Energy Shares, Bidco reserves the right to reduce the Base Consideration by an amount per DCC Energy Share up to the amount of such dividend and/or distribution and/or return of capital, in which case any reference in this Announcement or the Scheme Document to the Base Consideration will be deemed to be a reference to the Base Consideration as so reduced. Any exercise by Bidco of its rights referred to in this paragraph shall be the subject of an announcement and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be regarded as constituting any revision or variation of the terms of the Acquisition.
8 References to Base Consideration shall be to (a) 6,525 pence per DCC Energy Share, or (b) such greater amount as may be notified in writing by Bidco to DCC Energy pursuant to clause 5.2.6 of the Transaction Agreement or otherwise, provided that in the case of (b) both Bidco and DCC Energy shall make such applications to, and seek such directions from, the High Court as are necessary to amend the terms of the Scheme and in such event references to Base Consideration used herein shall be deemed to be references to such greater amount.
9 The Acquisition is not being made, directly or indirectly, in, into or from, or by use of the mails of, or by any means of instrumentality (including, but not limited to, facsimile, e-mail or other electronic transmission, telex or telephone) of interstate or foreign commerce of, or of any facility of a national, state or other securities exchange of, any jurisdiction where to do so would violate the laws of that jurisdiction.
10 This Announcement and any rights or liabilities arising hereunder, the Acquisition and the Scheme will be governed by Irish law and be subject to the jurisdiction of the Irish courts.
11 This Announcement does not constitute, or form part of, an offer or invitation to purchase DCC Energy Shares or any other securities.
APPENDIX II
Irrevocable Undertakings
Bidco has received irrevocable undertakings from each of the following DCC Energy Directors to vote (or, where applicable, procure the voting) in favour of the Resolutions at the Scheme Meeting and the EGM as applicable (or, if the Acquisition is implemented by way of a Takeover Offer, to accept or procure acceptance of such Takeover Offer) in respect of their own beneficial holdings over which those DCC Energy Directors have control over voting rights as well as any further DCC Energy Shares of which they may become the legal and / or beneficial holder with control over voting rights (whether as a result of the exercise of options, vesting of conditional awards under the DCC Energy Share Plans, following the issue and allotment of or transfer to a director of DCC Energy Shares under the DCC Energy DBA, or otherwise):
|
Name |
Number of DCC Energy Shares beneficially owned and controlled on the Latest Practicable Date |
Percentage of Issued Share Capital |
|
Mark Breuer |
5,697 |
< 0.1 |
|
Donal Murphy |
175,685 |
< 0.25 |
|
Katrina Cliffe |
1,097 |
< 0.1 |
|
Caroline Dowling |
800 |
< 0.1 |
|
Kevin Lucey |
21,530 |
< 0.1 |
|
Conor Murphy |
33,435 |
< 0.1 |
|
Alan Ralph |
1,500 |
< 0.1 |
|
Total |
239,744 |
0.28 |
These irrevocable undertakings remain binding if a higher competing offer is made for DCC Energy and will only cease to be binding if:
§ the Scheme becomes Effective;
§ Bidco publicly announces, with the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel, that it does not intend to proceed with the Acquisition (whether by Scheme or Takeover Offer);
§ the Acquisition is not Effective by 23:59 (London time) on the End Date;
§ the Scheme or a Takeover Offer (as the case may be) lapses or is withdrawn (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be deemed to have occurred only by reason of Bidco electing to switch from a Scheme to a Takeover Offer) other than in circumstances where the Transaction Agreement has been terminated pursuant to clause 9.1.8 of the Transaction Agreement; or
§ any competing offer for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of DCC Energy is made which becomes or is declared unconditional in all respects (if implemented by way of takeover offer under the Irish Takeover Rules) or otherwise becomes effective (if implemented by way of scheme of arrangement).
APPENDIX III
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply throughout this Announcement unless the context otherwise requires:
"Acquisition" means the proposed acquisition by Bidco of the DCC Energy Shares (other than the Excluded Shares) by means of the Scheme or (with the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel and subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement) a Takeover Offer (and any such Scheme or Takeover Offer as it may be revised, amended, renewed or extended from time to time) including the payment by Bidco of the Cash Consideration pursuant to the Scheme or such Takeover Offer, as described in this Announcement and provided for in the Transaction Agreement;
"Acquisition Websites" means each of:
(a) ECP's website (https://www.ecpgp.com/announcements); and
(b) KKR's website (https://www.documentdisplay.com/); and
(c) DCC Energy's website (https://www.dccenergy.com/offer-for-dccenergy);
"Act" means the Companies Act 2014 of Ireland, all enactments which are to be read as one with, or construed or read together as one with the Companies Act 2014 of Ireland and every statutory modification and re-enactment thereof for the time being in force;
"Acting in Concert" has the meaning given to that term in Rule 2.1 of Part A of the Irish Takeover Rules, and "Concert Parties" shall mean two or more persons who are Acting in Concert;
"Affiliate" means in relation to any person, any other person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control, with, such first person (as used in this definition, control(including, with its correlative meanings, controlled by and under common control with) shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies of a person, whether through the ownership of securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by Contract or otherwise);
"Announcement" means this Announcement, made in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Irish Takeover Rules, including its summary and appendices;
"Authorisations" means authorisations, orders, recognitions, grants, consents, clearances, confirmations, licences, permissions, exemptions or approvals used by the DCC Energy Group in carrying on its business;
"Base Consideration" has the meaning given to that term in this Announcement;
"Bid Conduct Agreement" means the bid conduct agreement dated on or around the date of this Announcement entered into between ECP Dragon Holdco Ltd and Krypton Holdco II Limited;
"Bidco" means Dragon Bidco Limited, a newly formed company incorporated in Ireland with registered number 816049, having its registered office at 32 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, D02 Y512;
"Bidco Board" means the board of directors of Bidco from time to time and for the time being;
"Bidco Directors" means the members of the Bidco Board;
"Bidco Group" means Bidco, all of its Subsidiaries and Holding Companies and any other Subsidiary of any such Holding Company;
"Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, or public holiday in Dublin, London or New York;
"Cancellation Record Time" means the time and date specified as such in the Scheme Document;
"Cancellation Shares" means the DCC Energy Shares in issue immediately prior to the Cancellation Record Time but excluding the Excluded Shares;
"Cash Consideration" means the Base Consideration and, if payable, the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration;
"CBI" means the Central Bank of Ireland or any successor body thereto;
"Closing Price" means the closing middle market price for a DCC Energy Share on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (being the primary market on which DCC Energy Shares are listed) on the relevant date as derived from Bloomberg;
"Combined Group" means the combined DCC Energy Retained Group and Bidco Group following the Acquisition becoming Effective;
"Conditions" means the conditions to the Scheme and the Acquisition set out in Appendix I to this Announcement, and "Condition" means any one of the Conditions;
"Consortium" means the consortium comprising: (i) ECP; and (ii) KKR;
"Contract" means any legally binding written, oral or other agreement, amendment, contract, subcontract, lease, understanding, instrument, note, debenture, indenture, warrant, option, warranty, purchase order, licence, sub-licence, insurance policy or other similar legally binding commitment or undertaking of any nature;
"Court Order" means the order or orders of the High Court sanctioning the Scheme pursuant to Section 453 of the Act and confirming the related reduction of capital under Sections 84 and 85 of the Act;
"DCC Energy" means DCC Energy plc, a company incorporated in Ireland with registered number 54858, having its registered office at Leopardstown Road, Foxrock, Dublin 18, Ireland;
"DCC Energy 2009 LTIP" means the DCC Long Term Incentive Plan 2009;
"DCC Energy 2021 LTIP" means the DCC Long Term Incentive Plan 2021;
"DCC Energy ADSs" means any American depositary shares representing interests in DCC Energy Shares held through one or more depositary banks and evidenced by American depositary receipts issued pursuant to an American depositary receipt programme established without the participation, sponsorship or involvement of DCC Energy;
"DCC Energy Alternative Proposal" means any bona fide enquiry, approach, communication, expression of interest, proposal or bona fide offer made by any person (other than a proposal or firm intention to make an offer pursuant to Rule 2.7 of the Irish Takeover Rules by Bidco (or any other vehicle indirectly wholly owned by funds managed and / or advised by Affiliates of ECP Aggregator and KKR Aggregator) or any of its Concert Parties), in each case in any form and whether as part of a single transaction or a linked series of transactions, in respect of:
(a) the acquisition of DCC Energy by scheme of arrangement or takeover offer;
(b) other than the Technology Disposal, the direct or indirect acquisition by any person of 10% or more of the assets, taken as a whole, of the DCC Energy Group, measured by either book value or fair market value (including equity securities of any member of the DCC Energy Group);
(c) a merger, reorganisation, share exchange, consolidation, business combination, recapitalisation, dissolution, liquidation or similar transaction involving DCC Energy as a result of which the holders of DCC Energy Shares immediately prior to such transaction would not, in the aggregate, own at least 90% of the voting power of the surviving or resulting entity in such transaction immediately after consummation of such transaction; or
(d) the direct or indirect acquisition by any person (or the shareholders or stockholders of such person) of more than 10% of the voting power or the issued share capital of DCC Energy, including any offer or exchange offer that if consummated would result in any person beneficially owning shares with more than 10% of the voting power of DCC Energy;
"DCC Energy Articles" means the Articles of Association of DCC Energy as in effect from time to time;
"DCC Energy Articles Amendment" means an amendment to the DCC Energy Articles (to be proposed for adoption by DCC Energy Shareholders by special resolution (in a form acceptable to Bidco acting reasonably) at the EGM) to provide that any DCC Energy Shares allotted prior to the Scheme Record Time will be subject to the terms of the Scheme and any DCC Energy Shares allotted after the Scheme Record Time will be acquired by Bidco for the same consideration per DCC Energy Share as shall be payable to DCC Energy Shareholders by Bidco under the Scheme on the basis that such consideration shall become payable in respect of each DCC Energy Share within fourteen (14) calendar days following the allotment of such DCC Energy Shares;
"DCC Energy Board" means the board of directors of DCC Energy from time to time and for the time being;
"DCC Energy CDIs" means English law securities issued by CREST Depository Limited that represent a CREST member's interest in DCC Energy Shares, with each DCC Energy CDI representing one DCC Energy Share;
"DCC Energy Change of Recommendation" has the meaning given to that term in clause 5.2.5(c) of the Transaction Agreement;
"DCC Energy DBA" meansthe deferred bonus arrangement for executive directors of DCC Energy;
"DCC Energy Directors" means the members of the DCC Energy Board from time to time;
"DCC Energy EMSS" means the DCC Management Services Employee Matching Share Scheme;
"DCC Energy Group" means DCC Energy and its Subsidiaries;
"DCC Energy Retained Group" means the DCC Energy Group excluding the Nexora Group;
"DCC Energy LTIPs" means the DCC Energy 2009 LTIP and the DCC Energy 2021 LTIP;
"DCC Energy Memorandum" means the Memorandum of Association of DCC Energy as in effect from time to time;
"DCC Energy Participant" means the holder of a DCC Energy Share Award;
"DCC Energy Public Report" means the annual report and audited financial statements of DCC Energy for the twelve months ended 31 March 2026 published on 17 June 2026;
"DCC Energy Share Award" means a contingent right or option to acquire DCC Energy Shares granted under the DCC Energy Share Plans;
"DCC Energy Share Plans" means the DCC Energy 2009 LTIP, the DCC Energy 2021 LTIP, the DCC Energy DBA and the DCC Energy EMSS;
"DCC Energy Shareholders" means the holders of DCC Energy Shares;
"DCC Energy Shares" means the ordinary shares of €0.25 each in the share capital of DCC Energy (and, except where the context otherwise requires, includes (i) DCC Energy Shares represented by DCC Energy ADSs and (ii) DCC Energy Shares represented by DCC Energy CDIs);
"DCC Energy Superior Proposal" means a written bona fide DCC Energy Alternative Proposal (where each reference to 10% and 90% set out in the definition of such term shall be deemed to refer to 50%) that (a) is not subject to due diligence or definitive documentation (other than their execution) and (b) the DCC Energy Board determines in good faith (following consultation with DCC Energy's financial advisers and outside legal counsel) is more favourable to DCC Energy Shareholders than the Acquisition, taking into account any revisions to the terms of the Acquisition proposed by Bidco in accordance with clause 5.2.6 of the Transaction Agreement and such financial (including, where such DCC Energy Alternative Proposal is not in respect of an acquisition of the entire issued and outstanding share capital of DCC Energy, the total proceeds and value that may be due to DCC Energy Shareholders), regulatory, anti-trust, legal, structuring, timing and other aspects of such proposal (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the conditionality and deliverability of any such proposal) as the DCC Energy Board reasonably considers to be appropriate;
"Disclosed" means the information disclosed by or on behalf of DCC Energy:
(a) in the DCC Energy Public Report;
(b) in this Announcement;
(c) in any other public announcement to a Regulatory Information Service by or on behalf of DCC Energy prior to the date of this Announcement;
(d) fairly in the virtual data room hosted by Datasite in connection with the Acquisition on or prior to the date of this Announcement as made available to Bidco, ECP Aggregator or KKR Aggregator and their Representatives (including in any replies to information requests and any correspondence in connection therewith) not less than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the date of this Announcement;
(e) fairly in (i) management presentations and (ii) any formal, scheduled due diligence sessions with Bidco, ECP Aggregator and/or KKR Aggregator (or any of their respective Representatives); and
(f) otherwise fairly disclosed in writing by or on behalf of DCC Energy to Bidco, ECP Aggregator and/or KKR Aggregator (or any of their respective advisers) prior to the date of this Announcement;
"ECP" means Energy Capital Partners Management, LP and its affiliates and the funds and investment vehicles managed by it and its affiliates;
"ECP Aggregator" means ECP Dragon Holdings, LP;
"ECP Group" has the meaning given to that term in the Transaction Agreement;
"ECP Responsible Persons" means Doug Kimmelman, Pete Labbat, Tyler Reeder, Andrew Gilbert, Rahman D'Argenio, Schuyler Coppedge and Matt DeNichilo;
"EEA" means the European Economic Area;
"Effective" means:
(a) if the Acquisition is implemented by way of the Scheme, the Scheme having become effective pursuant to its terms and the related capital reduction provided for in the EGM Resolutions having taken effect; or
(b) if the Acquisition is implemented by way of a Takeover Offer, the Takeover Offer having been declared or having become unconditional in all respects in accordance with the provisions of the Takeover Offer Document and the requirements of the Irish Takeover Rules;
"Effective Date" means the date on which the Acquisition becomes Effective;
"Effective Time" means the time on the Effective Date at which the Acquisition becomes Effective;
"EGM" means the extraordinary general meeting of DCC Energy Shareholders (and any adjournment thereof) to be convened in connection with the Scheme and expected to be held as soon as the preceding Scheme Meeting(s) shall have been concluded or adjourned (it being understood that if the Scheme Meeting(s) is / are adjourned, the EGM shall be correspondingly adjourned);
"EGM Resolutions" means, collectively, the following resolutions to be proposed at the EGM:
(a) a special resolution to amend the DCC Energy Memorandum to authorise DCC Energy to enter into the Scheme;
(b) an ordinary resolution to approve the Scheme and authorise the DCC Energy Board to take all such action as it considers necessary or appropriate to implement the Scheme;
(c) a special resolution to cancel, subject to the approval of the High Court, the Cancellation Shares;
(d) an ordinary resolution authorising the DCC Energy Board to allot new ordinary shares to Bidco pursuant to the Transaction Agreement and the Scheme by capitalisation of the reserve arising from the cancellation of the Cancellation Shares pursuant to the resolution described in the preceding sub-paragraph (c);
(e) a special resolution to approve the DCC Energy Articles Amendment; and
(f) such other resolutions as DCC Energy, acting with the prior written consent of Bidco (which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), considers to be necessary or desirable for the purposes of implementing the Scheme or the Acquisition;
"End Date" means 31 July 2027 or such later date as Bidco and DCC Energy may, with (if required) the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel, agree and (if required) the High Court may allow;
"EU" means the European Union;
"EU Merger Regulation" means Council Regulation (EC) No. 139/2004;
"euro" or "EUR" or "€" refers to euro, the lawful currency of Ireland;
"Exchange Rate" means in relation to any currency to be converted into USD, the spot exchange rate (closing mid-point) for such currency into USD as published in the London edition of the Financial Times first published after the relevant date in respect of such relevant date or, where no such rate of exchange is published in respect of such relevant date, at the rate quoted by Barclays Bank PLC as at the close of business in London on such relevant date (or, if such relevant date is not a Business Day, on the Business Day immediately preceding such relevant date) with "relevant date" for these purposes meaning the date of receipt of the Technology Disposal Proceeds by a member of the DCC Energy Retained Group (or, after completion of the Acquisition, a member of the Combined Group);
"Expert" has the meaning given to that term in the Transaction Agreement;
"Excluded Shares" means any DCC Energy Shares to be listed in the Scheme Document as excluded from the Scheme, including those:
(a) in the beneficial ownership of Bidco; or
(b) held in treasury by DCC Energy;
"FCA" means the Financial Conduct Authority of the United Kingdom, or its successor from time to time;
"Final Closing Date" has the meaning given to that term in the Irish Takeover Rules;
"Final Dividend" means the final dividend of 147.22 pence per DCC Energy Share for the financial year ended 31 March 2026 (announced by DCC Energy on 19 May 2026) that was approved at DCC Energy's Annual General Meeting held on 16 July 2026 and paid on 23 July 2026 to DCC Energy Shareholders on DCC Energy's register of members at the close of business on 29 May 2026;
"Final Recommendation Change Notice" has the meaning given to the term in clause 5.2.6 of the Transaction Agreement;
"FTSE 100" means the equity market index maintained by FTSE International Limited and known as the FTSE 100 Index;
"Governmental Body" means any Irish, UK or other foreign national or supranational, federal, state, local or other governmental or regulatory authority, agency in any jurisdiction, commission, board, body, bureau, arbitrator, arbitration panel, or other authority in any jurisdiction, including courts and other judicial bodies, or any taxing, revenue, fiscal, competition, antitrust, foreign investment review or supervisory body, central bank or other governmental, trade or regulatory agency or body, securities exchange, stock exchange or any self-regulatory body or authority, including any instrumentality or entity designed to act for or on behalf of the foregoing, in each case, in any jurisdiction (provided it has jurisdiction over the applicable person or its activities or property);
"High Court" means the High Court of Ireland;
"Holding Company" has the meaning given to the term "holding undertaking" in Section 275 of the Act;
"IFRS" means the International Financial Reporting Standards adopted by the European Union;
"Indebtedness" has the meaning given to that term in the Transaction Agreement;
"Ireland" means Ireland, excluding Northern Ireland (the counties of Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone), and the word "Irish" shall be construed accordingly;
"Irish Takeover Panel" means the Irish Takeover Panel established under the Irish Takeover Panel Act, 1997;
"Irish Takeover Rules" means the Irish Takeover Panel Act, 1997, Takeover Rules, 2022;
"Irrecoverable VAT" in relation to any person, means any amount in respect of VAT which that person (or a member of the same VAT Group as that person) has incurred (whether by way of being charged such VAT by the supplier or having an obligation to account for such on a reverse charge basis) and in respect of which neither that person nor any other member of the same VAT Group as that person is entitled to a refund (by way of credit or repayment) from any relevant Tax Authority pursuant to and determined in accordance with section 59 of the Value Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010 and any regulations made under that Act or similar provision in any other jurisdiction;
"KKR" means Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. and its affiliates;
"KKR Aggregator" means KKR Krypton Aggregator LP;
"KKR Group" has the meaning given to that term in the Transaction Agreement;
"KKR Responsible Persons" means Joseph Bae, Raj Agrawal, Brandon Freiman, Dash Lane, Waldemar Szlezak, Tara Davies, Vincent Policard, David Luboff, Alberto Signori, and James Gordon;
"Last Accounts Date" means 31 March 2026;
"Latest Practicable Date" means 24 July 2026, being the last Business Day prior to the date of this Announcement;
"Latest Practicable Date for Reporting of Interests and Short Positions" means 23 July 2026;
"Law" means any applicable national, federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, supranational, European Union or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, resolution, ordinance, code, agency requirement, licence, permit, edict, binding directive, decree, rule, regulation, judgment, order, injunction, ruling or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Body;
"London Stock Exchange" means London Stock Exchange plc or its successor from time to time;
"Main Market" means the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange;
"Nexora" means Nexora Consolidated Limited, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom and registered in England and Wales, with company number 17125132;
"Nexora Business" means the business carried on by the Nexora Group as at the date of this Announcement;
"Nexora Group" means Nexora and its subsidiary undertakings from time to time;
"Offer Period" means the offer period (as defined by the Irish Takeover Rules) relating to DCC Energy, which commenced on 29 April 2026;
"Official List" means the official list maintained by the FCA pursuant to Part VI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the United Kingdom;
"Overseas Shareholders" means holders of DCC Energy Shares who are resident in, ordinarily resident in, or citizens of, jurisdictions outside Ireland or the United Kingdom;
"pence", "GBP" or "£" means pound sterling, the lawful currency of the UK from time to time;
"Permitted Transfer" means a transfer of the entitlement to receive the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration in accordance with the terms of the Scheme: (a) made by operation of applicable Law or pursuant to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or (b) made from a nominee to a beneficial owner and, if applicable, through an intermediary, or from such nominee to another nominee for the same beneficial owner, in each case, other than a transfer to a person who is resident in, or is a citizen of, a Restricted Jurisdiction;
"PRA" means the Prudential Regulation Authority, or its successor from time to time;
"Registrar of Companies" means the Registrar of Companies in Dublin, Ireland, as defined in Section 2 of the Act;
"Regulatory Information Service" has the meaning given to that term by Rule 2.1 of Part A of the Irish Takeover Rules;
"Reimbursed Parties" means in respect of ECP, ECP, its Affiliates, and the ECP Group and in respect of KKR, KKR, its Affiliates and the KKR Group;
"Relevant Technology Disposal Amounts" means:
(a) the Technology Disposal Proceeds;
(b) the Technology Disposal Proceeds Deductions;
(c) the Technology Disposal Net Proceeds; and
(d) the Technology Disposal Per Share Amount;
"Representatives" in relation to any person, means the directors, officers, employees, agents, investment bankers, financial advisers, legal advisers, accountants, brokers, finders, consultants or representatives of such person or any of its Subsidiaries or Holding Companies;
"Resolutions" means collectively, the Scheme Meeting Resolution and the EGM Resolutions, which shall be set out in the Scheme Document;
"Restricted Jurisdiction" means any jurisdiction where local laws or regulations may result in a significant risk of civil, regulatory or criminal exposure if information concerning the Acquisition is sent or made available in that jurisdiction or would result in a requirement to comply with any governmental or other consent or any registration, filing or other formality which Bidco (acting reasonably) regards as unduly onerous;
"Sanction Date" means the date of sanction by the High Court (with or without material modification, but subject to any such modification being acceptable to each of Bidco and DCC Energy acting reasonably), of the Scheme pursuant to Chapter 1 of Part 9 of the Act and the High Court having confirmed the related reduction of capital involved therein;
"Scheme" means the proposed scheme of arrangement pursuant to Chapter 1 of Part 9 of the Act and the capital reduction under Sections 84 and 85 of the Act to effect the Acquisition pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, with or subject to any modification, addition or condition which the parties to the Transaction Agreement may mutually agree in writing with the consent (in each case, as required) of the Irish Takeover Panel and the High Court;
"Scheme Counsel" has the meaning given to that term in the Transaction Agreement;
"Scheme Document" means a document (including any amendments or supplements thereto) to be distributed to DCC Energy Shareholders and, for information only, to DCC Energy Participants containing:
(a) the Scheme;
(b) the notice or notices of the Scheme Meeting(s) and EGM;
(c) an explanatory statement as required by Section 452 of the Act with respect to the Scheme;
(d) such other information as may be required or necessary pursuant to the Act, the Irish Takeover Rules or the UK Listing Rules; and
(e) such other information as DCC Energy and Bidco may agree;
"Scheme Meeting(s)" means the meeting or meetings of each class of DCC Energy Shareholders (including as may be directed by the High Court pursuant to Section 450(5) of the Act) (and any adjournment thereof) convened by:
(a) resolution of the DCC Energy Board; or
(b) order of the High Court,
in either case pursuant to Section 450 of the Act, to consider and vote on the Scheme Meeting Resolution;
"Scheme Meeting Resolution" means the resolution to be considered and voted on at the Scheme Meeting(s) for the purpose of approving and implementing the Scheme;
"Scheme Record Time" means the time and date specified in the Scheme Document, as such, which is expected to be 6:00 p.m. (London time) on the Business Day immediately prior to the Effective Date (or such other day and/or time as is specified as the record time for determining those DCC Energy Shares that will be subject to the Scheme);
"Scheme Shares" means the Cancellation Shares and the Transfer Shares;
"Scheme Shareholders" means the holders of Scheme Shares;
"Senior Management Team" means the persons holding the office of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel, Group Director of Corporate Development and Chief People Officer in the DCC Energy Group;
"Significant Interest" means in relation to an undertaking, a direct or indirect interest of 15% or more of: (i) the total voting rights conferred by the equity share capital (as defined in Section 7 of the Act) of such undertaking; or (ii) the relevant partnership interest;
"Subsidiary" has the meaning given to the term subsidiary undertaking in Section 275 of the Act;
"Takeover Offer" means an offer in accordance with clause 3.6 of the Transaction Agreement for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of DCC Energy (other than the Excluded Shares), not being a Scheme, including any amendment or revision thereto pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, the full terms of which would be set out in the Takeover Offer Document or (as the case may be) any revised offer document(s);
"Takeover Offer Document" means if, following the date of the Transaction Agreement, Bidco elects to implement the Acquisition by way of Takeover Offer in accordance with clause 3.6 of the Transaction Agreement, the document(s) to be sent to DCC Energy Shareholders and others by or on behalf of Bidco (or such other entity as Bidco may elect) containing, amongst other things, the Takeover Offer, the Conditions (save insofar as Bidco determines in accordance with clause 3.6 of the Transaction Agreement and this Announcement not to be appropriate in the case of a Takeover Offer) and certain information about members of the Bidco Group and DCC Energy and, where the context so admits, includes any form of acceptance, election, notice or other document reasonably required in connection with the Takeover Offer;
"Tax" (or "Taxes" and, with the correlative meaning, the terms "Taxable" and "Taxation" shall be construed accordingly) means all forms of taxation, duties, imposts, levies, contributions, liabilities and charges in the nature of taxation, and all related withholdings or deductions of any kind, whether of Ireland or elsewhere, including (but without limitation) income tax, corporation tax, corporation profits tax, advance corporation tax, capital gains tax, capital acquisitions tax, residential property tax, wealth tax, value added tax, dividend withholding tax, deposit interest retention tax, customs and other import and export duties, excise duties, stamp duty, capital duty, social insurance, social welfare or other similar contributions and other amounts corresponding thereto whether payable in Ireland or elsewhere, and including amounts payable as a consequence of any claim, direction, order or determination of any tax, revenue, fiscal, government, municipal or local authority, body, court, tribunal or official whatsoever competent to impose, administer, levy, assess or collect any of the foregoing, and any interest, surcharge, penalty, charge, fee, cost or fine included or in connection therewith;
"Tax Authority" means any Governmental Body responsible for the imposition, administration, levying, assessment, collection or enforcement of laws relating to Taxes, or for making any decision or ruling on any matter relating to Tax (including the Irish Revenue Commissioners);
"Technology Disposal" means the proposed disposal by a member or members of the DCC Energy Group (or, after the Acquisition is Effective, the Combined Group) of some or all of the Nexora Business to an unconnected third party on arm's length terms;
"Technology Disposal Additional Consideration" means the one-off cash consideration payable, subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Bidco at its sole discretion) of the Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions, in GBP to each DCC Energy Shareholder as at the Scheme Record Time (or, if the Acquisition is implemented by way of a Takeover Offer, each DCC Energy Shareholder whose DCC Energy Shares are acquired pursuant to the Takeover Offer) of an amount per DCC Energy Share equal to the Technology Disposal Per Share Amount;
"Technology Disposal Agreement" means any legally binding agreement entered into by a member of the DCC Energy Retained Group to give effect to the Technology Disposal;
"Technology Disposal Committee" has the meaning given to such term in paragraph 2.2 of Appendix V of this Announcement;
"Technology Disposal Committee Members" has the meaning given to such term in paragraph 2.2 of Appendix V of this Announcement;
"Technology Disposal Completion" means the completion of the Technology Disposal in accordance with the terms and conditions of a Technology Disposal Agreement;
"Technology Disposal Consideration Conditions" has the meaning given to that term in paragraph 3 (Details of the Technology Disposal and Technology Disposal Additional Consideration);
"Technology Disposal Hurdle" has the meaning given to such term in the Transaction Agreement;
"Technology Disposal Long Stop Date" means 31 July 2027;
"Technology Disposal Net Proceeds" means the Technology Disposal Proceeds less the Technology Disposal Proceeds Deductions that have been incurred or, if relevant, are reasonably expected to be incurred, calculated on the basis set out in the Transaction Agreement;
"Technology Disposal Per Share Amount" has the meaning given to such term in the Transaction Agreement;
"Technology Disposal Proceeds" has the meaning given to such term in the Transaction Agreement;
"Technology Disposal Proceeds Deductions" has the meaning given to such term in the Transaction Agreement;
"Third Party" means any Governmental Body or any other body or person whatsoever in any jurisdiction;
"Transfer Shares" means any DCC Energy Shares allotted and issued at or after the Cancellation Record Time but before the Scheme Record Time, excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any Excluded Shares;
"Transaction Agreement" means the Transaction Agreement, dated on the date of this Announcement between Bidco, ECP Aggregator, KKR Aggregator and DCC Energy in relation to the implementation of the Scheme and the Acquisition, as it may be amended and restated or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms including the schedules thereto;
"UK" or "United Kingdom" means the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
"UK Listing Rules" means the listing rules made by the FCA pursuant to Part VI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the United Kingdom (as it may have been, or may from time to time be, amended, modified, re-enacted or replaced);
"Undisturbed Date" means 28 April 2026, being the last Business Day prior to the commencement of the Offer Period;
"U.S." or "United States" means the United States of America;
"U.S. Exchange Act" means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
"USD" or "US$" means United States dollars, the legal currency of the United States from time to time;
"VAT" means (a) any tax imposed in conformity with the Directive of the Council of the European Union on the common system of value added tax (2006/112/EC) (including any tax imposed by any member state of the European Union in conformity with that Directive), (b) any value added tax imposed by the United Kingdom Value Added Tax Act 1994 and (c) any other tax of a similar nature, whether imposed in a member state of the European Union or in the United Kingdom in substitution for, or in addition to, such tax referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) above, or imposed elsewhere;
"VAT Group" means a group as defined in Section 15 of the Value Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010 and any similar VAT grouping arrangement in any other jurisdiction;
"Voting Record Time" means the time and date to be specified as such by reference to which entitlement to vote at the Scheme Meeting and at the EGM will be determined;
"Wider Bidco Group" means the Bidco Group, ECP, KKR, separately managed accounts and vehicles advised and/or managed by KKR, including in each case any associated undertakings of any of the foregoing and any other undertaking, body corporate, partnership, joint venture or person in which Bidco and all such undertakings (aggregating their interests) have a Significant Interest, and for these purposes "associated undertakings" has the meaning given thereto by the Act; and
"Wider DCC Energy Group" means DCC Energy and its Subsidiaries, all associated undertakings of any member of the DCC Energy Group and any other undertaking, body corporate, partnership, joint venture or person in which any member of the DCC Energy Group (aggregating their interests) has a Significant Interest, and for these purposes "associated undertakings" has the meaning given thereto by the Act.
Any references to any provision of any legislation shall include any amendment, modification, re-enactment or extension thereof. Any reference to any legislation is to Irish legislation unless specified otherwise.
Words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and words denoting one gender shall include all genders.
All times referred to in this Announcement are London times unless otherwise stated.
APPENDIX IV
SOURCES AND BASES OF INFORMATION
In this Announcement, unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, the following sources and bases have been used:
(a) The fully diluted ordinary share capital of DCC Energy was 86,243,641 DCC Energy Shares as at the Latest Practicable Date, based on:
(i) 87,609,229 DCC Energy Shares in issue as at the Latest Practicable Date (inclusive of DCC Energy Shares held in treasury);
(ii) less, 2,185,094 DCC Energy Shares held in treasury as at the Latest Practicable Date; and
(iii) plus, a maximum of 819,506 DCC Energy Shares which may be issued on or after the date of this Announcement pursuant to the DCC Energy Share Plans.
(b) The value attributed to the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of DCC Energy of £5.75 billion, is calculated based on
(i) the Base Consideration payable by Bidco to DCC Energy Shareholders under the terms of the Acquisition of 6,525 pence for each DCC Energy Share, multiplied by the fully diluted share capital of DCC Energy set out in paragraph (a) above;
(ii) plus the Final Dividend of 147.22 pence per DCC Energy Share, multiplied by the 85,424,135 DCC Energy Shares appearing on DCC Energy's register of members at the close of business on 29 May 2026.
(c) The Base Consideration and Final Dividend together value the entire issued and to be issued share capital of DCC Energy at approximately £5.75 billion.
(d) The statement that the Base Consideration and Final Dividend together represent a meaningful premium to DCC Energy's average trading multiple since setting out the updated strategy for DCC Energy in 2022, is on the basis of:
(i) the price to earnings multiple implied by the Total Offer Value calculated with reference to:
(1) the value attributed to the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of DCC Energy of £5.75 billion in paragraph (c) above; and
(2) the DCC Energy adjusted profit after tax (on a constant currency basis) of £409 million as reported in the DCC Energy Financial Results for the year ended 31 March 2026, published on 19 May 2026; and
(ii) the average trading multiple of DCC Energy since setting out its updated strategy on 17 May 2022 calculated with reference to:
(1) the Daily Closing Price per DCC Energy Share during this period, derived from FactSet; and
(2) the Daily trailing-twelve-months earnings per share, derived from FactSet.
(e) Unless otherwise stated, all prices for DCC Energy Shares are the relevant Closing Price as at the relevant date.
(f) The Closing Prices and volume weighted average prices have been derived from Bloomberg data and have been rounded to the nearest decimal place.
(g) The median twelve-month forward target price as of the Undisturbed Date has been derived from Bloomberg, based on the twelve-month forward target prices of the analysts included on a non-selective basis, as set out in the table below:
|
Firm |
Date of Analyst Target Price Disclosure |
Target Price |
|
Morgan Stanley |
27 April 2026 |
£59.00 |
|
BNP Paribas |
14 April 2026 |
£60.00 |
|
Peel Hunt |
23 March 2026 |
£56.35 |
|
Berenberg |
19 March 2026 |
£63.00 |
|
Goodbody |
10 March 2026 |
£60.00 |
|
Stifel |
27 February 2026 |
£64.00 |
|
Davy |
10 February 2026 |
£90.00 |
|
RBC Capital |
4 February 2026 |
£54.00 |
|
Jefferies |
4 February 2026 |
£61.00 |
|
Panmure Liberum |
4 February 2026 |
£47.08 |
|
UBS |
4 February 2026 |
£65.00 |
|
Deutsche Bank |
4 February 2026 |
£55.00 |
|
Median |
|
£60.00 |
(h) The increase of approximately 2-3% to the premium levels represented by the Base Consideration and Final Dividend should the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration be paid in full, is calculated with reference to the maximum value of the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration of 125.00 pence divided by each of:
(i) DCC Energy's Closing Price of 5,380 pence on the Undisturbed Date;
(ii) DCC Energy's volume-weighted average price of 5,004 pence per DCC Energy Share for the three-month period ended on the Undisturbed Date;
(iii) DCC Energy's volume-weighted average price of 4,907 pence per DCC Energy Share for the twelve-month period ended on the Undisturbed Date; and
(iv) the median analyst twelve-month forward target price of 6,000 pence per DCC Energy Share as of the Undisturbed Date.
(i) Certain figures included in this Announcement have been subjected to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown for the same category presented in different tables or forms may vary slightly and figures shown as totals in certain tables or forms may not be an exact arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.
APPENDIX V
PARTICULARS OF THE TECHNOLOGY DISPOSAL ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION
1 Particulars of the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration
1.1 Form and status
The obligation to pay the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration will be an obligation of Bidco pursuant to the Scheme and will not be evidenced by a certificate or other instrument. Any entitlement to receive Technology Disposal Additional Consideration will not confer any voting or dividend rights and will not represent any equity or ownership interest in the DCC Energy Group, the Bidco Group, or any of their Affiliates.
1.2 Restrictions on transfer
The entitlement to receive the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration that becomes payable may not be transferred other than pursuant to a Permitted Transfer.
1.3 No listing
The right to receive any Technology Disposal Additional Consideration will not be registered or listed for trading (including on any stock exchange).
1.4 Unsecured obligation
Each DCC Energy Shareholder's entitlement to the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration represents unsecured obligations of Bidco which shall rank at least pari passu with all other existing and future unsecured obligations of Bidco, except for those obligations as may be preferred by applicable law.
1.5 No guarantee
Bidco's obligation to pay the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration is not guaranteed by any member of the Bidco Group, any member of the DCC Energy Group or any other person.
1.6 Governing law
The Technology Disposal Additional Consideration will be governed by Irish law.
2 Further provisions about the Technology Disposal and the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration
2.1 Transaction Agreement
The Transaction Agreement sets out the agreement between Bidco, DCC Energy and the other parties thereto relating to certain aspects of the Technology Disposal and the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration.
The Irish Takeover Panel has agreed that Bidco and DCC Energy may redact certain details of the Transaction Agreement relating to the Technology Disposal, including the Technology Disposal Hurdle, in light of the commercial sensitivity of that information for the ongoing sales process. Bidco and DCC Energy will provide a further update in due course.
2.2 Composition of the Technology Disposal Committee
Bidco has undertaken to establish a committee (the "Technology Disposal Committee") to discuss and determine the Relevant Technology Disposal Amounts in accordance with the Transaction Agreement with effect from the Effective Date.
The Technology Disposal Committee shall comprise:
§ two individuals nominated by DCC Energy (each a "DCC Energy Nominee"); and
§ two individuals nominated by Bidco from time to time,
(together being the "Technology Disposal Committee Members").
If any DCC Energy Nominee is unwilling or becomes incapable of serving on the Technology Disposal Committee, such vacancy shall be filled by an individual nominated by the remaining DCC Energy Nominee in writing (or, if both DCC Energy Nominees are not willing or become incapable of serving on the Technology Disposal Committee after the Acquisition is Effective at the same time, they shall nominate replacement individuals prior to their vacancy).
2.3 Obligations on Bidco with respect to the Technology Disposal if it has not been completed by the Effective Date
Bidco has agreed to comply with certain obligations set out in the Transaction Agreement in respect of the Nexora Business if the Technology Disposal Agreement has been signed but not completed by the Effective Date until the earlier of: (i) the Technology Disposal Completion; and (ii) the Technology Disposal Long Stop Date. These include obligations to:
§ use reasonable endeavours to continue with the Technology Disposal pursuant to the terms of the Technology Disposal Agreement;
§ subject to the terms of a Technology Disposal Agreement, procure that the Nexora Business is carried on in all material respects in the ordinary course of business consistent with the DCC Energy Group's usual practice;
§ take all reasonable steps to preserve and protect the value of the Nexora Business consistent with the DCC Energy Group's usual practice;
§ ensure that no transactions between any member of the Nexora Group (on the one hand) and any member of the rest of the Combined Group (on the other hand) are entered into or implemented other than on arm's length terms;
§ not take any steps or actions with the intention of diminishing the value of the Nexora Business or the Technology Disposal Proceeds that the Combined Group shall receive for the sale of the Nexora Business; and
§ use reasonable endeavours to maximise the Technology Disposal Proceeds and not take any steps or actions that might frustrate or otherwise adversely impact or delay the receipt of the Technology Disposal Proceeds by the Combined Group or the payment of the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration to the DCC Energy Shareholders.
2.4 Valuation requirement
The Irish Takeover Panel has determined that an estimate of the value of the entitlement to receive Technology Disposal Additional Consideration in accordance with Rule 24.11 of the Irish Takeover Rules is not required to be included in the Scheme Document.
2.5 No Trust
No obligation of any member of the Bidco Group (after completion of the Acquisition, including any member of the DCC Energy Group), and no action taken by any member of the Bidco Group (after completion of the Acquisition, including any member of the DCC Energy Group) in relation to the Nexora Business, the Technology Disposal, the Technology Disposal Additional Consideration, shall create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship between such person and DCC Energy Shareholders or any other person.
[1] The 2030 Ambition is not, and should not be construed as, a profit forecast for any specific financial period. It represents an aspirational target intended to outline future goals. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially. In particular, M&A activity is inherently uncertain, aspirational and subject to factors beyond management's control. Therefore, there can be no certainty the 2030 Ambition will be achieved.
[2] The 2030 Ambition is not, and should not be construed as, a profit forecast for any specific financial period. It represents an aspirational target intended to outline future goals. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially. In particular, M&A activity is inherently uncertain, aspirational and subject to factors beyond management's control. Therefore, there can be no certainty the 2030 Ambition will be achieved.