GDF Suez considering new bid for Talisman’s North Sea assets
FRANCE’S partially state-owned gas and electric utility GDF Suez has revived interest in buying some or all of Talisman Energy’s North Sea oil and gas assets.
GDF Suez, which owns International Power, was reported to have approached Canadian firm Talisman towards the end of 2013, with market sources telling Reuters that GDF had offered a “low-ball price” with a “very small chance” of being accepted.
GDF’s chief exec Gerard Mestrallet subsequently stated: “We have no plans for a major acquisition. I formally deny that we have made a bid for the ‘T’company, as mentioned in the press.” GDF could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Last week, GDF and Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority signed a $1.5bn (£933m) financing package for a water and power project, and the French company is also in the running to gain joint control of gas pipeline operator Noordgastransport BV alongside two other companies.