Exhibit 99.1
NiSource Announces Agreement to Sell Minority Equity Interest in NIPSCO to Strengthen Financial Foundation and Support Sustainable, Long-Term Growth
Blackstone Infrastructure Partners Affiliate Agrees to Acquire 19.9% Non-Controlling Equity Interest in
NIPSCO for $2.150 Billion, with Additional Equity Commitment of $250 Million to Fund Ongoing Capital
Requirements
Blackstone Invests Alongside NiSource in NIPSCO to Fund the Energy Transition and Accelerate the
Reindustrialization of the Midwest
NiSource Reaffirms Commitment to Indiana and to Its Consolidated Credit, Earnings and Growth
Commitments Through 2027
MERRILLVILLE, Ind., June 20, 2023 – NiSource (NYSE: NI) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with an affiliate of Blackstone Infrastructure Partners, Blackstone’s (NYSE: BX) dedicated Infrastructure group, for the Blackstone Infrastructure affiliate to acquire a 19.9% equity interest in NIPSCO for $2.150 billion.
Blackstone Infrastructure is an active perpetual capital investor across the utility, energy transition, transportation, digital infrastructure, water and waste infrastructure sectors. Blackstone Infrastructure seeks to apply a long-term buy-and-hold approach to large-scale infrastructure assets and is focused on responsible stewardship and stakeholder engagement to create value for its investors and the communities it serves. Blackstone Infrastructure is committed to investing behind NIPSCO’s energy transition and decarbonization programs, as well as helping to increase gas and electric grid resiliency for the customers of Indiana.
The transaction is a highly attractive and efficient form of equity financing. NiSource intends to use the capital infusion to support its fastest growing utility and its ability to serve customers, de-lever its balance sheet and fund ongoing capital needs associated with the renewable generation transition underway. Since 2018, NIPSCO has been executing on one of the fastest transitions from coal-fired electricity in the U.S. utilities sector, targeting 0% coal-fired generation mix by 2028 (compared to 75% coal generation mix in 2018). Through 2030, NIPSCO expects to invest approximately $3.5 billion in electric generation transition investments, with this investment primarily focused on installing new renewable generation to replace coal-fired generation retirements. NIPSCO also intends to support the continued growth and modernization of its gas and electric transmission and distribution systems, which will play critical roles in the energy transition as NIPSCO continues to deliver a reliable, diverse and sustainable energy mix, bringing customer, environmental and economic benefits.
The transaction implies an equity value of $10.8 billion and enterprise value of $14.3 billion for 100% of NIPSCO. Upon closing of the transaction, which is expected by the end of 2023, NIPSCO will remain a vital part of NiSource, which will retain an 80.1% stake in NIPSCO. NiSource will continue to operate NIPSCO; Blackstone will receive minority rights that are commensurate with its 19.9% equity ownership interest. As part of the transaction, Blackstone is committed to funding its pro rata share of ongoing capital requirements, which is supported by a $250 million equity commitment letter.
“We’re pleased to reach this agreement at a compelling valuation following a robust and competitive process, and are confident that Blackstone is the right partner for NIPSCO and NiSource going forward, given its global footprint and deep infrastructure experience, including in renewable development and