Mitsui Buys Stake in Gas Natural Mexico

Mitsui & Co., Ltd., through its holding company, MIT Gas México, S. de R.L. de C.V., will participate in the gas distribution business in Mexico.

MGM concluded a share purchase agreement with Iberdrola Energía, S.A.U., a wholly owned subsidiary of Iberdrola, S.A. on September 18, for Mitsui’s acquisition of a 13.25% share in Gas Natural Mexico, S.A. de C.V.  with the purchase amount of US$ 82million (Approx. J¥ 6.5bil.). The completion of the transaction is subject to the relevant regulatory approvals.

In addition, Mitsui has also reached an agreement with the remaining shareholders in GNM to acquire 1.75% of an additional shareholding in GNM with the purchase amount of US$ 10.8milliion (Approx. J¥ 0.9bil.) to reach 15% in total. The completion of this transaction is also subject to the relevant regulatory approvals and closing of the purchase to Iberdrola.

GNM is providing natural gas distribution for residential, commercial and industrial segments in 6 zones in Mexico, including Mexico City and Monterrey, which are two of the largest cities, and Toluca and Bajio, which are two of the most developing cities in the country. GNM is providing its services to 1.3million customers and is the leading natural gas distribution company in Mexico, having a top market share both in terms of the number of clients and gas distribution volume.

Mitsui is currently engaged in various natural gas related businesses in Mexico, including the LNG receiving terminal at Manzanillo on the Pacific coast and 6 gas-fired power plants in the country, as well as a gas distribution business in 7 states of Brazil. Mitsui considers this transaction as a part of the vertical and horizontal expansion of Mitsui’s activities in gas related business and aims for further improvement of operation and service in each business utilizing its accumulated know-how in management and operation from existing businesses.

Mitsui expects further strong growth in the natural gas related market in Mexico based on the continuous demand increase caused by the steady and sustainable economic growth of the country and on the diversification of supply thanks to the shale gas development in Mexico and the US.

Mitsui, through this participation in GNM, continues to pursue further expansion of its activities in gas related infrastructure businesses in Mexico, contributing to the social and economic development of Mexico through the realization of infrastructure for a stable and sustainable energy supply.

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LNG World News Staff, September 19, 2012; Image: Mitsui