M&A activity in the global power (electricity and gas) sector surged in 2007 even as the credit markets collapsed. For 2008, the presidential election has created uncertainty on the regulatory front. Still, activity in the sector is likely to continue as European firms remain interested in U.S. companies.

As a result, Argyle Executive Forum is pleased to present “Deal Making Trends in the Global Power Sector with PricewaterhouseCoopers”—a conference call with John McConomy, PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Transaction Services US Power and Utilities Leader, and Bruce D. Schulman, principal at Allied Capital Corp.

McConomy will cover the firm’s recently released 2007 Global Power Deals Report. He will also examine activity in the sector over the past five months as well as offer an outlook for the rest of 2008.   Schulman will offer his take on the sector from the private capital perspective.

“Looking ahead, the election year creates more uncertainty as it is likely to prompt potential regulatory and legislative actions, particularly impacting carbon emissions,” McConomy said in the report. “Global interest (particularly from Europe) in US power assets is expected to remain high with the current relative weakness of the US dollar, despite credit market conditions and continued regulatory uncertainty. Domestically, the credit markets are expected to dampen, at least in the short term, both corporate and financial-sponsored transactions. While significant investments in new nuclear technology remain years away, there remain more immediate needs to invest in power and utility infrastructure. A prolonged credit crunch may push more investments into rate base rather than the competitive markets. There are many questions which will remain unanswered until after the election but, in the meantime, domestic and global companies will not want to miss opportunities to satisfy the tremendous need for power and utility infrastructure investment, as well as Wall Street’s appetite for growth.”

To inquire about media presence, please click here

Perspectives from:

Michael Bruce
Senior Advisor
U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Patrick Fleury

Credit Analyst, Special Situations

Satellite Asset Management, L.P

John McConomy
Transaction Services US Power and Utilities Leader
PricewaterhouseCoopers

Bruce D. Schulman

Principal

Allied Capital Corporation

Arthur Zaczkiewicz

Director of Content

Argyle Executive Forum

A Joint Event With:

*Argyle Executive Forum reserves the right to review and approve all attendees.