Macquarie named preferred bidder for stake in Greek power grid operator HEDNO
![Macquarie named preferred bidder for stake in Greek power grid operator HEDNO](https://www.ekathimerini.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/deddie_intime-960x600.jpg)
Public Power Corp (PPC), Greece’s biggest power utility, on Thursday formally named Australian infrastructure giant Macquarie as the preferred bidder for a minority stake in its fully-owned power grid operator, Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO).
PPC shareholders will take a final decision on the bid at a meeting scheduled for October 19, PPC said.
PPC earlier this month said the offer by Spear WTE Investments Sarl, a member of the Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets Group, valued the 49% stake at 2.1 billion euros, including debt of 804 million euros, making it the highest among four groups which issued binding bids.
PPC, which is 51% owned by the state, has said it will use the sale proceeds to reduce debt and boost its footprint in renewables.
HEDNO operates a 242,000-km long grid, which brings electricity to about 7 million households and businesses across Greece. PPC expects a new investor to help to upgrade the grid, which mainly consists of overhead cables susceptible to failing in adverse weather.
[Reuters]