NEW YORK & REYKJAVIK, Iceland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Glacier Partners Corp., a corporate advisory boutique focused on the
geothermal energy sector, in conjunction with its Icelandic affiliate,
Capacent Glacier, today announced they have served as financial advisors
to Magma Energy Corp. (TSX: MXY) in its agreement to acquire an interest
in HS Orka, one of Iceland's largest geothermal energy producers, from
Geysir Green Energy.
Under the agreement, Magma will purchase a 10.78 percent equity stake in
HS Orka for approximately US$25 million (in two stages). In connection
with the purchase, Magma will also hold an option to acquire
approximately 5 percent additional shareholding in HS Orka through a
direct capital infusion of US$15 million. The companies have agreed to
work jointly on further geothermal development both in Iceland and
internationally.
"Magma's acquisition of a stake in HS Orka is a milestone for Iceland
and recognizes the country's leadership in geothermal energy
development," said Magnus Bjarnason, CEO of Glacier Partners. "Magma's
investment represents not only the first strategic investment in Iceland
since its banking system fell, but also the opportunity for Glacier
Partners to serve as a catalyst for additional geothermal investment
opportunities in Iceland and the U.S."
Charles Arrigo, Director with Glacier Partners, added: "As one of the
world's largest geothermal centers, Iceland is a pioneer in effectively
harvesting this energy source to supply 23 percent of the country's
electricity supply and powers its large aluminum industry."
HS Orka is the largest privately owned energy company in Iceland, with
installed geothermal power capacity of 175 MW. In addition, the firm
generates 150 MW of geothermal energy for district heating. Expansions
are planned that will increase HS Orka's geothermal power production to
425 MW by 2015.
The agreement is subject to approval by the TSX as well as other
customary closing conditions. Closing of the transaction is expected to
take place in September 2009.
About Glacier Partners/Capacent Glacier
Glacier Partners is a specialized corporate finance and advisory
boutique focused on bringing value to geothermal energy and seafood
industry clients. Formerly Glitnir Capital, Glacier Partners and its
principals have played a prominent role in the U.S. geothermal market.
The firm maintains a strategic alliance with major Nordic consulting
group Capacent, through their joint-venture, Capacent Glacier in
Iceland. In March 2009, Glacier announced a partnership with Pritchard
Capital Partners, an energy investment bank and institutional financial
services firm in the U.S.
About Magma Energy Corp.
Magma Energy Corp., a geothermal power company recently listed in Canada
and founded by successful entrepreneur Ross Beatty, is actively engaged
in operating, developing, exploring and acquiring geothermal energy
projects. The company currently has one operating power generation plant
(Soda Lake, Nevada) and an extensive portfolio of exploration properties
throughout the western United States, Chile, Argentina and Peru.
About Geysir Green Energy
Geysir Green Energy is the leading privately-owned geothermal
development company in Iceland. Geysir's main assets include controlling
stakes in HS Orka hf. and Iceland Drilling Ltd. The company has worked
successfully at developing geothermal heating utility projects in China
as well as geothermal energy projects in the US, Germany and the
Philippines.
In New York - Glacier Partners Corp.
Ignacio Kleiman,
212-716-0111, ikleiman@glacierpartnerscorp.com
Charles
J. Arrigo, 212-716-0120, carrigo@glacierpartnerscorp.com
or
In
Reykjavik - Capacent Glacier hf.
Magnus Bjarnason,
+354-895-4515, magnus.bjarnason@capacentglacier.is
Timothy
Spanos - +354-895-4477, tspanos@glacierpartnerscorp.com
or
Media:
CJP
Communications
Aimee Baxter, 212-279-3115 ext. 225, abaxter@cjpcom.com
Source: Glacier Partners Corp.
<<Business Wire -- 07/27/2009>>