Deals
Shell Takes Australia Power Plunge With $418 Million ERM Bid
- Oil major pivoting toward integrated gas & power industry
- ERM founder and major shareholder is backing Shell offer
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Royal Dutch Shell Plc has taken the plunge into Australia’s energy market with a $418 million deal to buy ERM Power Ltd., the nation’s second-largest electricity retailer to commercial and industrial customers, as it drives toward a goal to become the world’s top power producer by 2030.
Shell had previously expressed interest in deeper involvement in Australia’s electricity sector as it pivots toward gas and power amid the global shift to cleaner energy. ERM owns two gas-fired generators, as well as the retail business, which Shell said will play an important role as Australia makes the switch away from coal-fired power. The deal is expected to close this year.