Unitil Corporation acquires Bangor Natural Gas Company, expanding its customer base and pipeline infrastructure in New England.
Quiver AI Summary
Unitil Corporation announced the successful acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas Company from PHC Utilities, Inc. for $70.9 million, plus an estimated $0.3 million for working capital. This deal, first revealed on July 8, 2024, was finalized after obtaining necessary approvals from the Maine Public Utilities Commission. The acquisition adds approximately 8,500 customers and expands Unitil's network to 351 miles of distribution pipelines and nine miles of transmission pipelines, increasing its total customer base to about 207,000 across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Unitil's CEO, Tom Meissner, emphasized that Bangor aligns well with their operations and allows them to continue providing reliable energy services. The transaction was facilitated with the advisory support of Scotiabank and the law firm Dentons.
Potential Positives
- Unitil Corporation successfully completed the acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas Company, expanding its customer base to approximately 207,000 across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
- The acquisition brings significant infrastructure with 351 miles of distribution pipelines and nine miles of transmission pipelines, enhancing Unitil's operational capabilities.
- The transaction reflects Unitil's commitment to delivering reliable and affordable natural gas energy and reinforces its presence in Maine's energy market.
- Unitil's leadership highlighted the strong team at Bangor, suggesting a positive integration for operations and customer service continuity.
Potential Negatives
- The acquisition price of $70.9 million may raise concerns about financial prudence, especially if the integration of Bangor Natural Gas Company does not yield expected financial benefits.
- The mention of a variety of risks associated with forward-looking statements could indicate inherent uncertainties about the company's future performance and strategic direction.
- Unitil’s dependency on regulatory approvals and the potential impact of climate change regulations could pose long-term challenges to its operational stability and growth prospects.
FAQ
What company did Unitil acquire?
Unitil Corporation completed the purchase of Bangor Natural Gas Company from PHC Utilities, Inc.
What is the purchase price for Bangor Natural Gas?
The acquisition price for Bangor Natural Gas Company was $70.9 million, plus approximately $0.3 million for estimated working capital.
How many customers does Bangor Natural Gas serve?
Bangor Natural Gas Company serves approximately 8,500 customers.
What regions does Unitil operate in?
Unitil operates in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, serving approximately 207,000 customers.
Who advised Unitil on this acquisition?
Unitil was advised in this transaction by Scotiabank and the law firm of Dentons.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summary of a press release distributed by GlobeNewswire. The model used to summarize this release may make mistakes. See the full release here.
$UTL Hedge Fund Activity
We have seen 82 institutional investors add shares of $UTL stock to their portfolio, and 89 decrease their positions in their most recent quarter.
Here are some of the largest recent moves:
- PROSHARE ADVISORS LLC added 240,776 shares (+3249.3%) to their portfolio in Q3 2024, for an estimated $14,586,210
- HOTCHKIS & WILEY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC added 96,180 shares (+inf%) to their portfolio in Q3 2024, for an estimated $5,826,584
- ASSENAGON ASSET MANAGEMENT S.A. removed 75,992 shares (-100.0%) from their portfolio in Q4 2024, for an estimated $4,118,006
- DEPRINCE RACE & ZOLLO INC removed 45,504 shares (-56.2%) from their portfolio in Q3 2024, for an estimated $2,756,632
- STATE STREET CORP added 41,511 shares (+6.1%) to their portfolio in Q3 2024, for an estimated $2,514,736
- AURORA INVESTMENT COUNSEL removed 37,575 shares (-84.0%) from their portfolio in Q3 2024, for an estimated $2,276,293
- ROYAL BANK OF CANADA added 31,254 shares (+23.0%) to their portfolio in Q3 2024, for an estimated $1,893,367
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Full Release
HAMPTON, N.H., Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL) ( unitil.com ) today announced that it completed the purchase of Bangor Natural Gas Company (“Bangor”), from PHC Utilities, Inc., a subsidiary of Hope Utilities, Inc. The Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) between PHC Utilities, Inc. and Unitil was first announced on July 8, 2024. All conditions of the Agreement, including the receipt of approvals from the Maine Public Utilities Commission, were completed as of the closing date.
Bangor Natural Gas Company, which began operations in 1998, brings approximately 8,500 customers, 351 miles of distribution pipelines, and nine miles of transmission pipelines to the Unitil system. With the acquisition, Unitil serves approximately 207,000 customers throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
“Bangor is an excellent complement to our existing natural gas distribution operations in Maine, and brings a strong team that is dedicated to delivering safe, clean, reliable, and affordable energy to customers,” said Tom Meissner, Unitil’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to providing the high level of service Bangor’s customers expect of us.”
The purchase price was $70.9 million, plus approximately $0.3 million for estimated working capital. Unitil was advised in this transaction by Scotiabank, and by the law firm of Dentons.
About Unitil Corporation
Unitil Corporation provides energy for life by safely and reliably delivering electricity and natural gas in New England. We are committed to the communities we serve and to developing people, business practices, and technologies that lead to the delivery of dependable, more efficient energy. Unitil Corporation is a public utility holding company with operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Unitil’s operating utilities, including Bangor, serve approximately 109,400 electric customers and 97,600 natural gas customers. For more information about our people, technologies, and community involvement please visit unitil.com .
Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include declarations regarding Unitil’s beliefs and current expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent risks and uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Some, but not all, of the risks and uncertainties include the following: Unitil’s regulatory environment (including regulations relating to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental matters); fluctuations in the supply of, the demand for, and the prices of, energy commodities and transmission and transportation capacity and Unitil’s ability to recover energy commodity costs in its rates; customers’ preferred energy sources; severe storms and Unitil’s ability to recover storm costs in its rates; general economic conditions; variations in weather; long-term global climate change; unforeseen or changing circumstances, which could adversely affect the reduction of company-wide direct greenhouse gas emissions; Unitil’s ability to retain its existing customers and attract new customers; increased competition; and other risks detailed in Unitil's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Unitil undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.
For more information please contact:
Christopher Goulding – Investor Relations
Phone: 603-773-6466
Email:
[email protected]
Alec O’Meara – External Affairs
Phone: 603-773-6404
Email:
[email protected]