New Acquisition Expands Canadian Solar's Total Solar Energy Project Pipeline to 8.5 GW

Solar Energy Project Pipeline ( Solar Thermal Magazine)

Approximately 1.0 GW of late-stage projects represent a revenue opportunity of at least $2.3 billion over the next 2 years
Canadian Solar Inc, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Sharp Corporation (TSE: 6753) to acquire Recurrent Energy, LLC (“Recurrent”), a leading North American solar energy developer, for approximately $265 million.

Once completed, the acquisition of Recurrent will increase Canadian Solar’s total solar project pipeline by approximately 4.0 GW to 8.5 GW, and its late-stage project pipeline by approximately 1.0 GW to 2.4 GW. Located in California and Texas, Recurrent’s 1.0 GW late-stage pipeline is one of the largest utility-scale project portfolios scheduled to be built prior to the ITC expiration in 2016, and represents an estimated revenue opportunity of at least $2.3 billion for Canadian Solar under a build and sell business model.

The transaction further expands Canadian Solar’s position as a leading solar energy developer, with a globally diversified project pipeline in low risk geographies. In addition, this transaction broadens Canadian Solar’s project development and financing capabilities, and enhances the Company’s position for creating its own Yield-Co in the quarters ahead.

“The acquisition of Recurrent is an important milestone for us as it significantly expands and strengthens our position in the North American market, and places Canadian Solar firmly among the leading global solar energy companies,” said Dr. Shawn Qu, Canadian Solar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

By combining Canadian Solar’s global reach and experience with Recurrent’s proven solar energy development track record in the US and Canada, we are significantly expanding the scale of our solar energy development platform. At the same time, this transaction broadens our strategic options to extend our business model from development and construction into potential ownership and operation of solar power plants as we work to create additional value for our shareholders.

“Canadian Solar is a key player in the industry and we are fortunate that our collective visions for the future of the solar market are very much aligned,” said Arno Harris, Recurrent Energy Chief Executive Officer.

We look forward to close collaboration with our new parent company to bring solar power further into mainstream energy markets.

Transaction Details

Total consideration for the acquisition of Recurrent is approximately $265 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close prior to the end of the first quarter of 2015, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Credit Suisse acted as sole financial advisor and Foley & Lardner LLP acted as legal counsel to Canadian Solar. Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. acted as lead financial advisor to Sharp Corporation and Recurrent. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd./MUFG Americas also acted as financial advisor to Sharp Corporation. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP acted as legal counsel to Sharp Corporation.

Investor Conference Call

Canadian Solar will host a conference call for investors to discuss the transaction on February 4, 2015 at 8:00 am ET. A replay will be available until February 11, 2015 at 11:59PM ET:

Dial-in information:

Toll-free Dial-In: 1(866) 202-0886 International Dial-In: +1(617) 213-8841 Conference Passcode: 35547056

Replay dial-in information: