Uniper begins a transparent, EU-approved sale of its helium business, offering global contracts and assets through a competitive bidding process.
Uniper SE has formally initiated a structured sale process for its helium business, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing portfolio realignment. This divestment is being carried out in strict accordance with the state aid approval decision issued by the European Commission on 20 December 2022, under case reference SA.103791. The Commission’s approval provides the regulatory framework under which Uniper is permitted to proceed with the transaction, ensuring full compliance with European Union state aid regulations.
The sale process has been designed to follow an open, fair, and transparent bidding approach. By adopting this structure, Uniper aims to ensure equal access and opportunity for all potential buyers while maximizing value through competitive market participation. The company has emphasized that the divestment will be executed in line with best practices for asset sales, reflecting both regulatory expectations and Uniper’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
The scope of the proposed transaction, commonly referred to as the transaction perimeter, includes a comprehensive portfolio of international helium-related assets. These assets consist primarily of helium purchase agreements, sales contracts, and storage arrangements that span multiple geographies. Collectively, these contracts represent an established platform within the global helium market, enabling the buyer to access existing commercial relationships and supply chains without the need to build them from scratch.
In addition to contractual assets, the sale also includes a substantial logistics component. Specifically, the transaction will cover a fleet of specialized 11,000-gallon helium ISO containers. These containers are critical for the transportation and storage of helium, given the gas’s unique physical properties and handling requirements. Ownership of this container fleet provides operational flexibility and supports continuity of supply for customers across international markets.
Uniper has clarified that the divestment will not involve the transfer of any employees. No personnel are expected to move to the acquiring entity as part of the transaction, meaning the sale is limited strictly to commercial contracts and physical assets. This structure simplifies the transaction process and reduces complexity for both Uniper and potential buyers, as employment-related considerations are excluded from the deal.
To manage the sale process efficiently and professionally, Uniper has appointed Clearwater as its sole financial adviser. Clearwater will be responsible for coordinating interactions with interested parties, managing communications, and overseeing procedural aspects of the bidding process. Prospective buyers are required to submit a formal Expression of Interest to Clearwater as the initial step in participating in the sale.
The Expression of Interest must include essential details such as the name and address of the interested party, along with the contact information of individuals responsible for managing the potential acquisition. In addition, bidders are expected to disclose the name and address of any mandated financial advisers acting on their behalf. This information will enable Clearwater and Uniper to assess interest levels, organize subsequent phases of the process, and ensure efficient engagement with qualified participants.
Through this divestment, Uniper continues to advance its broader strategic objectives, which include focusing on core activities while meeting regulatory commitments linked to state aid approval. The launch of the helium business sale process represents a clear and deliberate move toward reshaping the company’s asset base, while offering market participants an opportunity to acquire a well-established helium portfolio through a transparent and competitive process.
