Pennon Group Plc (Pennon) has announced that it has entered into an agreement for the sale of Viridor Limited (Viridor), one of the UK's leading recycling and residual waste businesses, to Planets UK Bidco Limited (Bidco), a newly formed company established by funds advised by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR), for an Enterprise Value of GBP 4.2 billion (US$ 4.85 billion).

Transaction Highlights are as follows:

• Sale of Viridor for an Enterprise Value (EV) of GBP 4.2 billion (US$ 4.85 billion) on a cash-free, debt-free basis representing an EV/EBITDA multiple of 18.5x
• Recognizes the strategic value of Viridor’s strong, diversified and complementary UK recycling and residual waste management platform and expected growth opportunities
• Net cash proceeds expected to be approximately GBP 3.7 billion (US$ 4.30 billion) at completion, after taking into account debt and debt-like items that will remain with Viridor, and customary costs. There is also the potential for additional consideration of up to GBP 0.2 billion (US$ 0.23 billion) contingent on future events and outcomes   
• The Pennon Board intends to use the net cash proceeds to reduce Pennon’s company borrowings and make a return to shareholders, whilst retaining some funds for future opportunities   
• The Transaction is conditional on approval from Pennon shareholders, merger control clearance from the European Commission and certain other conditions, and is expected to complete in summer 2020
• The Transaction was unanimously agreed by the Pennon Board to be in the best interests of shareholders
• Pennon will continue to pursue operational excellence and growth within the UK water industry.