• NewCo: which will hold Trustpower's Australian and New Zealand wind assets and wind and solar development pipeline; and
  • Trustpower Core: which will hold the remaining Trustpower assets.

Wind projects require large amounts of capital to develop. A demerger of Trustpower Core and Newco will provide Trustpower shareholders with choice in relation to capital allocation. It will allow NewCo to raise such capital from investors who have an appetite that is aligned with the type of opportunities expected to be available from the build out of NewCo's development pipeline.

Trustpower Chairman Dr Bruce Harker said: 'Trustpower has a strong track record of developing wind assets in both Australia and New Zealand. Given the significance of the opportunity in front of us, we have been considering the most efficient way to fund the next phase of the wind development pipeline over an extended period. The proposed demerger would enable Trustpower to create two new businesses with clearly defined strategies, and provide investors with the flexibility to choose which parts of the business to invest in.'

If the proposal is given effect, shareholders will receive one share in each of NewCo and Trustpower Core for each share held in Trustpower. Trustpower Core and NewCo will each be listed on the NZX and NewCo may also be listed on the ASX.

The proposed demerger will allow TPW Core to concentrate on its substantially New Zealand based hydro generation and growing multi‐product retailing businesses. These businesses produce strong cash flows, so it is expected the TPW Core will continue to provide shareholders with regular dividend income with growth prospects over time.

Dr Bruce Harker has agreed to be designate Chair of NewCo and other designate leadership positions for NewCo are expected to be announced in early 2016. Proposed changes to Trustpower's board are outlined in a separate media release.

Trustpower's Board has not formally determined to proceed with the proposal. If the proposal proceeds, it will be subject to shareholder and court approval. A shareholder meeting is expected to be called in the second quarter of 2016 to consider the matter.

Greater detail on the proposal is expected to be provided prior to the end of February 2016.

TrustPower Limited issued this content on 2015-12-18 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 2015-12-20 23:57:30 UTC

Original Document: http://www.trustpower.co.nz/getting-to-know-us/news-and-media/media-releases/2015/12/18/trustpower-considering-demerger-of-its-australian-and-new-zealand-wind-business