Z Energy makes move into electricity, paying $46m for Flick Electric stake

Monday, 27 August 2018

New Zealand's largest petrol company is entering the retail electricity market, spending $46 million for a controlling stake in Flick Electric.

Z Energy, which also supplies the Caltex branded stations across New Zealand, said it was acquiring a 70.1 per cent stake in Flick, which offers access for household customers to wholesale electricity prices.

Mike Bennetts, Z's chief executive, said the purchase was 'another step towards the long-term sustainability of Z, and the role we play in a lower carbon transport future'.

The investment was part of the company's 'what is next' strategy which was outlined to investors in 2017, Bennetts said.

'We are continuously assessing options to invest and extend into adjacencies in one of our three preferred market spaces – future fuels, mobility and the last mile. Where it makes commercial sense to do so, you should expect Z to take action,' Bennetts said.

As part of the strategy, Z indicated it would be paying out much more of its profits in dividends. The Flick deal is being funded by debt, Z said, with no impact on its earnings for dividend guidance in 2018. Flick was expected to add to Z Energy's earnings from 2021 onwards.

Z Energy, which also supplies fuel to the Caltex stations in New Zealand, is entering the retail electricity market, paying $46 million for a majority stake in Wellington-based Flick Electric.

The deal values Flick at around $70 million. While the deal will add $15.6m in new capital, most of the investment - $30.4m - will be spent buying shares off Flick's existing investors.

Shares in Z Energy, which trade on the NZX, opened down 4 cents at $7.36 on Monday morning.

Z Energy chief executive Mike Bennetts with Flick Electric chief executive Steve O'Connor.

Prior to the deal, Eastland Group, the Gisborne-based investor which owns Gisborne Airport, Eastland Port and the regions electricity network, was the largest shareholder in Flick, with 22.5 per cent.

According to the announcement, Flick Electric generated revenues of $43.4m in the year to March 31.

Flick's chief executive Steve O'Connor said the investment would allow the company to grow faster.

'Over the past four years we've proven there's an appetite for a new engagement model in energy retail, which has entrenched our vision to bring disruptive energy technologies to as many people as possible.'

Headquartered in Wellington, Flick sells customers electricity at wholesale prices, plus an operating margin. This means customers are exposed to the risks of the spot market, however they can save money by running their appliances when the price of power is low.