SL Capital Partners LLP, through SL Capital Infrastructure I LP (SLCI I), has acquired 100% of Nordic Power AS from Nordkraft AS, the Narvik based energy group with interests in Northern Norway.

Nordkraft's core business is the development, construction, production and distribution of natural renewable energy through hydropower and wind power. 

SLCI I is focused on investing in core infrastructure assets in Europe and this acquisition of 13 high quality, small scale hydro plants generating 58 MW provides an opportunity for the fund to invest in long-term assets alongside a strong Norwegian partner in a region with a stable regulatory environment.

Looking forward, SL Capital and Nordic Power will co-operate closely and have agreed a 15-year management contract with the Nordkraft. Under this agreement, the Nordkraft team will manage, operate and maintain the plants, ensuring continuity of supply to the grid for consumers in the region. Nordic Power has committed to continue the maintenance capital expenditure program established by Nordkraft.

In addition, Nordic Power has entered into a strategic co-operation agreement that provides the basis for Nordic Power to acquire further hydro power assets that are close to commissioning from Nordkraft. This would provide the utility with visibility on funding for the development of further hydropower assets in northern Norway.

The agreement was signed on 20 June and is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

Pareto Securities and Wiersholm have acted as advisors for SL Capital in connection with the Transaction while Thommessen have acted for Nordkraft.

Eirik Frantzen, CEO of Nordkraft, stated:

"This is a really important and strategic step for Nordkraft, both reducing the financial risk and securing income through management and operation of the plants. We recognise that this arrangement with a different Operator and Owner is rather new in the hydro sector. However in other sectors such as oil & gas and real estate this type of arrangement has been worked very successfully over long time periods. Nordkraft has now established a strategy with increased focus on Operations and we believe that this long term partnership with SL Capital will become a «win-win» and furthermore will give both companies opportunities for organic growth."

Graeme Gunn, Partner of SL Capital commented:

"We are delighted to announce this transaction so quickly after the recent purchase of the natural gas distribution network in Finland, demonstrating the positive momentum and deep market knowledge of our team working on the Norwegian hydopower sector. We have made the investment and become the owners of this high quality portfolio of assets through our infrastructure fund. The hydropower sector in Norway is one of the most developed in the world and we have a high level of confidence that our partnership with Nordkraft and the management team at Nordic Power will prove successful."

Dominic Helmsley, Managing Director Infrastructure, added: