Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (ETP) and Sunoco, Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement whereby ETP will acquire Sunoco in a unit and cash transaction valued at USD 50.13 per share, or a total consideration of approximately USD 5.3 billion, based on ETP’s closing price on April 27, 2012. This combination will create one of the largest and most diversified energy partnerships in the country by expanding ETP’s geographic footprint and strengthening its presence in the transportation, terminalling and logistics of crude oil, NGLs and refined products.
By acquiring Sunoco, ETP will also own Sunoco’s general partner interest and the incentive distribution rights (IDRs) in Sunoco Logistics Partners, as well as Sunoco’s 32.4% interest in Sunoco Logistics Partners’ limited partner units and Sunoco’s branded retail business, which generates additional stable cash flows from a portfolio of approximately 4900 retail locations in the U.S.
“This transaction, which will be immediately accretive, represents the next step in Energy Transfer Partners’ transformation into a more diversified enterprise with an integrated and expanded footprint,” said Kelcy Warren, ETP’s chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors. “As we have said in the past year, our goal is to derive more of our distributable cash flow from the transportation of heavier hydrocarbons like crude oil, NGLs, and refined products. With this transaction, we make a major move in that direction, bringing our cash flow mix related to the combined enterprise’s pipeline businesses to approximately 70 percent natural gas and 30 percent heavier hydrocarbons. At the same time, we will enhance the size and scale of the ETP platform by creating new service capabilities and entering new geographic operating areas.”
“This transaction will enable Sunoco’s businesses to realize their full potential by becoming an important part of a diversified leader in the energy industry,” said Brian P. MacDonald, Sunoco’s president and chief executive officer. “In addition, it delivers an attractive premium to our shareholders, while enabling them to participate in the future growth of the business. The combination with ETP provides substantial future value-creation opportunities for Sunoco shareholders and ETP unitholders alike.”
Commenting further, MacDonald said, “ETP recognizes that the steady, ratable cash flows that our logistics and retail businesses generate are backed by great assets, deep expertise, and the potential for future growth. ETP has an interest in growing its Marcellus Shale-related activity, and I am pleased that the combined enterprise will retain a strong Pennsylvania presence.”