Abu Dhabi's TAQA pulls out of multi-crore deal with Jaypee

In a set back, Jaypee Group today announced Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) is withdrawing from the nearly Rs 10,000 crore deal to acquire its two hydel power projects.
The deal, announced in March this year, would have helped Jaypee Group to pare its debt.
TAQA India Power Ventures Ltd has decided to withdraw from its agreement with Jaiprakash Power Ventures Ltd (JPVL) to acquire Baspa II and Karcham Wangtoo hydro projects in Himachal Pradesh, Jaypee Group said in a statement.
"It is unfortunate that the Abu Dhabi based company TAQA has decided to undo its agreement with Jaiprakash Power Ventures Ltd to buy 1,000 MW Karcham Wangtoo and 300-MW Baspa II projects due to a change in their business strategy and priorities," Jaypee Group Executive Chairman Manoj Gaur said.

He also emphasised that the development would not impact its commitment to reduce debt to Rs 45,000 crore by March next year.
The break up fee to be paid by TAQA is estimated to be over Rs 500 crore, a source said.

The deal entailed selling JPVL's two hydel projects, together having a generation capacity of about 1,300 MW, for an enterprise value of Rs 9,689 crore.
Describing the move as "sudden and unexpected", the group said it was informed by TAQA that they had some compelling reasons forcing them to review their investment strategy and opt out of the transaction.

In a filing to the BSE, JVPL said that TAQA was "constrained to take the said decision as a result of a change in the business strategy and priorities of their group".
"We recognise that TAQA has exercised the buyer's prerogative to opt out of the deal, but as per the agreement, they will have to pay to JPVL the break away fee," the statement noted.