OpeOluwani Akintayo
Lagos — Oando Plc on Thursday announced divestment of its residual 25% interest in Axxela Limited held through Glover Gas & Power B.V., to Helios Investment Partners a private equity firm with a focus on investments in Africa.
In a statement, the company said the total purchase price for the transaction was USD $41,500,000, thereby optimising value from non-core business activity of the group.
According to the release, the net proceeds of the transaction will be applied in partially prepaying the Group’s Medium-Term Loan, MTL.
The acquisition by Helios was effected through HIP GLOVER S.à.r.l, a special purpose vehicle incorporated by Helios, which in 2016 had acquired the initial 75% interest in Axxela for $115.8 million.
Oando is an indigenous energy group listed on both the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges.
Commenting on the divestment, Oando PLC’s Group Chief Executive, Wale Tinubu said: “The completion of this divestment signifies another win for the Company. We pioneered the development of Nigeria’s foremost natural gas distribution network which has subsequently grown to become the largest private sector gas distributor in Nigeria creating a lasting impact on both the sector and the Nigerian economy. The divestment further reinforces Oando’s ability to create value that can be monetized and the Company’s status as the indigenous partner of choice for international companies looking to invest in Nigeria. This transaction favorably positions us to significantly reduce our debt profile and remain focused on growth through our dollar-denominated businesses. We will continue to maintain significant presence in the Midstream as well as grow our gas aspirations via our Upstream gas assets in our NAOC Joint Venture wherein we have four gas projects within the NNPC’s Seven Critical Gas Development Projects (CGDPs), which are responsible for almost 50% of the 42 TCF that will be delivered by the seven CGDPs by 2020.”
CEO Axxela Limited, Bolaji Osunsanya added: “As we position to become the preferred and fast-growing gas and power portfolio across sub-Saharan Africa, we pay homage to our origins, legacy, and storied history as an Oando portfolio company. We are immensely proud of our impressive track record of building substantial gas and power infrastructure across Nigeria and implementing essential Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in our host communities. As we commence a new journey, our audacious growth initiatives across Nigeria and the sub-region will leverage our industry expertise, experience, and longevity; while our affiliation as a full-fledged Helios company will improve our access to capital. The continued growth, robustness, and stability of our business enterprise enable Axxela to provide required efficient and environmentally-friendly energy solutions for industrial and commercial clients, leading to positive socio-economic impact in our markets of operation.”
Axxela Limited was, prior to the divestment, the midstream affiliate of Oando PLC (formerly known as Oando Gas & Power). Axxela is a designated natural gas shipper on the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP). Axxela is also the pioneering private sector-led developer of natural gas distribution in Nigeria, delivering at peak 80 million standard cubic feet per day to over 160 industrial and commercial customers via a vast network of gas infrastructure.
With over 280km in gas pipeline infrastructure built, Axxela provides unique energy solutions primarily through its subsidiaries: Gaslink Nigeria Limited, Gas Network Services Limited, and Central Horizon Gas Company Limited.
