Calpine Closes on Acquisition of Champion Energy

Calpine Corporation today closed the previously announced acquisition of leading retail electric provider Champion Energy Marketing, LLC.

Champion Energy serves primarily commercial and industrial customers, in addition to approximately 115,000 residential customers, in 10 states that closely overlap and complement Calpine’s wholesale power generation presence in the Texas, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S. power markets. Champion Energy will remain headquartered in Houston and will continue to operate under the highly regarded Champion Energy brand, as exemplified by its top ranking in 2015 by J.D. Power for residential customer satisfaction in Texas for the fifth time, including from 2010 to 2013.

“The addition of Champion Energy is an important step in our concerted effort to create more channels for our wholesale power by getting closer to customers,” said Calpine’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Trey Griggs. “We look forward to building upon the success of the Champion Energy team as we integrate and grow the platform. We are particularly excited to welcome the talented Champion Energy employees to the Calpine team.”

“The Champion Energy team is thrilled to be joining the Calpine team and to be in a position to meaningfully grow the retail business and better serve our customers with the support of Calpine’s modern, clean and efficient fleet of power generation facilities,” said David Tudor, Champion Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer, who will remain in his leadership role and report to Griggs.

Calpine purchased the business from a subsidiary of Crane Champion Holdco LLC, which owned a 75% interest, and from EDF Trading North America, which owned a 25% interest, for $240 million plus working capital adjustments. The transaction was funded with cash on hand.