OREANDA-NEWS. April 05, 2011. According to PwC’s annual Power Deals review, total deal value in the non-renewable electricity and gas sectors is up 19% year on year from USD98bn to USD116bn in 2010. Compared to the heady mountain of power deals transacted between 2005-2008, deal values remain low but conditions are in place for a return at least to the foothills of these peaks, reported the press-centre of PwC.

Elsewhere, deal value rose in the Russian Federation after a big fall in 2009. The Russian energy market saw 4% of global market deals concluded on the vendor and buyer side in 2010 vs. 2% in 2009.

Globalisation of the power sector is moving forward on a number of fronts with, for example, companies looking at gaining a larger presence in growth markets, strong international interest in infrastructure assets and signs of greater Chinese involvement, not just from grid companies but also independent power producers. Expansion remains high on the agenda for a number of European companies as they weigh up moves to step up their international presence.

Alexander Chmel, utilities leader, PwC Russia, said:

“While we believe this deal revival will continue, much will depend on the extent to which demand returns in the main developed markets to give companies confidence in their capital expenditure renewal and new build programmes.

“If it does, we can expect promising conditions for the divestment opportunities that some companies will be seeking.”

Government clean energy policies will play an important role in shaping the background to deal activity this year and will increase the extent to which the price of power assets and, in turn, M&A valuations are determined by regulatory frameworks. The major capital expenditure and operational priorities faced by companies will reduce the scope for big acquisitions but, in turn, also spur smaller scale restructuring.

Manfred Wiegand, global utilities leader, PwC commented:
“The trend towards global power deals, with cross continental acquisitions, will potentially step up a gear in 2011 as for example with Asia Pacific, the focus of deal activity has switched to encompass more investment in targets outside the  region . Also, the reaction to date of US regulators to the 2010 announced deals, suggests that the door is now more open to a greater flow of regulated utility deals.

“Further consolidations, network divestments in Europe and the continued outbound and inbound Asia Pacific deal appetite are set to keep totals buoyant in 2011, although stopping short of the acceleration needed for a return to the deal numbers of the mid 2000s.”