RWE Eyes Expanded Control Over Power Operator Amprion

Germany’s largest power producer, RWE, is weighing a bid to increase its 25.1% stake in the grid operator Amprion. The move involves a potential acquisition of shares currently held by a group of pension funds, a strategic shift that would tighten the utility's grip on critical national energy infrastructure.

RWE currently manages its interest in the grid through RWE Akjaios Holding, a joint venture shared with the U.S. private equity firm Apollo Global Management. The target of the potential expansion is the 16.5% stake held by AEBG, an entity backed by a consortium of pension funds led by AEVWL. Reports from Handelsblatt suggest a preliminary purchase agreement may already be in place, though official parties remain tight-lipped.

An RWE spokesperson confirmed the company maintains regular contact with Amprion’s shareholders regarding various topics but declined to comment on specific negotiations. Representatives for AEBG also declined to comment, while Amprion did not immediately respond to inquiries. The interest follows reports from February indicating that several of the grid operator's major owners were exploring options to divest their stakes to new investors, signaling a period of potential consolidation for the German energy giant.