Shell to bolster presence in Australia with Powershop purchase

(Alliance News) - Royal Dutch Shell PLC on Monday announced plans to purchase online energy ...

Alliance News 22 November, 2021 | 6:58AM
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(Alliance News) - Royal Dutch Shell PLC on Monday announced plans to purchase online energy retailer Powershop Australia for an undisclosed sum.

Powershop Australia is an electricity and gas retailer serving more than 185,000 customers in the Australian residential and small business markets. The company will form Shell's residential power platform in Australia, the group said.

"Our aim is to become a leading provider of clean power-as-a-service and this acquisition broadens our customer portfolio in Australia to include households," said Shell's Executive Vice President of Renewables & Energy Solutions Elisabeth Brinton. "Shell's presence across the entirety of our changing energy system means we are well-placed to manage complexity for customers so that we deliver simple, cleaner energy solutions."

The purchase is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2022.

Shell's A shares closed 0.7% higher at 1,671.80 pence each in London on Friday. Its B stock closed 0.7% higher at 1,675.80p.

Last Monday, Shell unveiled plans to put an end to its current 'A' and 'B' share structure, in a change it says will make life simpler for investors and also speed up share buybacks.

Instead of the current dual share structure, the oil major plans for a conventional single share structure. This would allow for an acceleration in distributions by way of share buybacks, reduce risk for shareholders, and let Shell manage its portfolio with greater flexibility, the company said.

The company will also align its tax residence to the UK. It has been incorporated in the UK with Dutch tax residence and a dual share structure since 2005.

Shareholders will vote on the planned changes at a meeting in the Netherlands on December 10.

By Will Paige; willpaige@alliancenews.com

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