They mark the establishment of a new, leading Swiss group in Europe’s energy markets, with EDF as its European partner. The mandatory share exchange offer to the Atel shareholders will be launched and the merger of Atel and Motor-Columbus will then take place.
Closure of the agreements on the disposal by UBS of its majority shareholding in Motor-Columbus took place on March 23, 2006, following approval by the competition authorities in Switzerland and the EU at the end of February 2006 and the subsequent agreement of the relevant official bodies at the purchasing companies.
The UBS majority shareholding in Motor-Columbus has been purchased by a predominantly Swiss-owned consortium consisting of the Swiss minority shareholders in Atel – EBM (Elektra Birseck, Munchenstein), EBL (Elektra Baselland, Liestal), Canton Solothurn, IBAarau – along with newcomers AIL (Aziende Industriali di Lugano) and WWZ (Wasserwerke Zug).
The other partners in the consortium are EOS Holding in Lausanne and Atel itself. EDF of France is further strengthening its role as a major European industrial partner.
Thus the companies concerned are laying foundations for the continued expansion of a pan-European energy company with a strong position and base in Switzerland, along with an established European partner, the firm said in a statement.
