SSE to sell its 33% stake in Scotland Gas Networks

Disposal follows a deal by National Grid to sell its majority stake in its gas grid business

SSE, which owns Airtricity in Ireland, said in February it had appointed banks to review options for a sale.
SSE, which owns Airtricity in Ireland, said in February it had appointed banks to review options for a sale.

SSE plans to sell its 33 per cent stake in local gas network company Scotland Gas Networks as part of its plan to focus on renewable generation.

SSE, which owns Airtricity in Ireland, said in February it had appointed banks to review options for a sale and is "now progressing options for divestment of all its equity stake in SGN," according to a statement on Tuesday.

The disposal follows a deal by National Grid to sell its majority stake in its gas grid business later this year, as the fossil fuel comes under increasing scrutiny from investors and activists.

The company will continue to own and operate its electricity grid business Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks. SSE is building the world’s biggest offshore wind farm at Dogger bank and has a £2 billion ($2.8 billion) divestment plan by autumn 2021.

SGN is valued at £2.1 billion taking the equity value of SSE’s stake to about £900 million, according to Barclays Bank.

SSE expects to update the market further on its approach and timings at its results presentation on May 26th, it said. – Bloomberg

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up to the Business Today newsletter for the latest new and commentary in your inbox

  • Listen to Inside Business podcast for a look at business and economics from an Irish perspective