Premier Energy acquires Distributie Energie Oltenia — NRG-IA

The giant transaction in Oltenia — Premier Energy buys Evryo Group's electricity distribution network Premier Energy PLC aims to control the electricity grid in Oltenia by acquiring Distribuție Energie Oltenia, a transaction now officially analyzed by the Competition Council. The regulatory authority announced the launch of the merger review through which Premier Energy PLC intends to acquire Evryo Power S.A. and Felix Distribution Holdings S.R.L., entities that directly own the grid operator Distribuție Energie Oltenia S.A., according to information published by Economica.net . This move represents one of the largest utility market transactions in Romania in recent years. The seller, Evryo Group (formerly CEZ România Group, owned by investment fund Macquarie Asset Management), is thus finalizing its exit from the electricity distribution sector in Romania. The publication Forbes România confirms that the transaction is subject to the provisions of Competition Law no. 21/1996, which obliges the antitrust authority to evaluate its impact on the free market and end consumers. The transaction consolidates Premier Energy's position as a vertically integrated energy conglomerate in Romania. The group, controlled by Czech businessman Jiří Šmejc through the investment vehicle EMMA Capital, adds a major regulated asset to its portfolio, as highlighted by the analysis of Economedia . The strategic expansion of the group controlled by Jiří Šmejc The transaction is the result of an aggressive expansion strategy that Premier Energy has been deploying in the region. Until now, the group's presence in Romania was focused on natural gas distribution and supply, as well as renewable electricity generation (wind and solar). By acquiring Distribuție Energie Oltenia, Premier Energy secures control over a critical electricity distribution infrastructure serving Argeș, Dolj, Gorj, Mehedinți, Olt, Teleorman, and Vâlcea counties. This move marks a paradigm shift for Premier Energy. From a player focused on the gas niche and green production, the company becomes a major electricity grid operator. Transitioning from volatile generation assets to regulated distribution assets provides the group with a stable and predictable cash flow, guaranteed by distribution tariffs approved by the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE). The direct impact on the energy market and distribution networks For consumers in the Oltenia region, this transaction will not bring immediate tariff changes on their bills, as distribution tariffs are strictly regulated by the state through ANRE. However, the change in ownership may influence the pace of investments in grid modernization. The Oltenia region is critical for the national energy system, facing the need to integrate massive renewable energy capacities and upgrade high and medium-voltage power lines. At the market level, the transaction reduces the number of major independent distribution operators, accelerating consolidation in the sector. Premier Energy will have to demonstrate that it can manage the synergies between its supply, production, and the new distribution component without creating anti-competitive advantages for its own commercial divisions to the detriment of other active suppliers in the region. Next steps: the Competition Council's decision and monopoly risk assessment The Competition Council will analyze the transaction to determine whether it could lead to the creation or strengthening of a dominant position or if it could significantly affect effective competition in the Romanian market. The law provides strict deadlines for issuing a decision: either approval of the transaction without objections within 45 days of complete notification, or the opening of an in-depth investigation if major competition concerns are identified. In the coming period, the antitrust authority will request feedback from third parties, including competitors and consumer associations, to assess whether the integration of Distribuție Energie Oltenia into the Premier Energy group complies with the unbundling rules (separation of grid activities from supply and generation) imposed by European and national legislation.