Meriaura Group Plc
Company announcement, Inside information November 30, 2023 at 11.30 am (CET)
Inside information: Meriaura Group acquires a solar power systems provider Rasol
Meriaura Group Plc ('Meriaura Group') has entered into an agreement with the shareholders of Rasol Ltd ('Rasol'), Eero Lehvonen and Markus Rantavuori ('Sellers'), to acquire the entire share capital of Rasol through a share exchange. Rasol is a company established in 2019 that sells and installs solar power systems mainly in the Southern Finland. The company has experienced significant growth, with its revenue surpassing 5 million euros and an operating profit of over 700,000 euros in 2022.
The valuation for Rasol's share capital in the share exchange agreement is set at 3,248,640.75 euros, increased by 671,359.25 euros, representing the company's cash (current assets - current liabilities) as of October 30, 2023. Therefore, the total purchase price amounts to 3,920,000 euros.
The purchase price has been paid through a directed share issue based on the authorization granted by an extraordinary general meeting of Meriaura Group on November 25, 2022. A total of 66,233,428 new shares of Meriaura Group were offered to the Sellers at a subscription price of 0.05918462 euros per share. The number of shares issued represents 7.6% of Meriaura Group's total shares after the implementation of the share exchange. The subscription price used in the directed share issue related to the share exchange is 38% higher than the closing price of 0,0428 euros per share on First North Growth Market Finland on November 29, 2023, the trading day preceding Meriaura Group's announcement. The Sellers have subscribed to the shares and paid the subscription price by transferring 2,290 of their own Rasol shares, representing 100% of Rasol's shares and voting rights, as a non-cash contribution to Meriaura Group.
Regarding the shares in Meriaura Group issued in the share exchange, there is a restriction on sales exceeding 1,000,000 euros in value, which will be in effect for five (5) years from the completion of the share exchange, releasing shares gradually on an annual basis from the restriction. The Sellers will continue to work for Rasol.
As a result of the directed share issue related to the share exchange, the number of Meriaura Group's shares will increase from 800,102,141 to 866,335,569 shares. The shares subscribed for in the share issue will be registered in the trade register and delivered to the Sellers' book-entry accounts approximately on December 5, 2023. Trading with the new shares will commence on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Sweden approximately on December 6, 2023 and Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland approximately on December 7, 2023 alongside Meriaura Group's existing shares.
Meriaura Group has previously communicated its goal to significantly accelerate the growth of its Renewable Energy business and turn it profitable by integrating other renewable energy sources into its existing offering of solar thermal energy and biofuels. This acquisition fulfills that goal, and Rasol's business as part of the group's Renewable Energy segment strengthens its position in the market for renewable energy solutions.
Rasol has quickly become a significant and reliable player in the field of solar power systems. Growth in both revenue and operating profit is expected for 2023. Rasol aims to increase its market share, especially in the market for household companies, rental housing companies, farms, and commercial and industrial properties. Following the acquisition, solar parks and energy sales will also play a more prominent role in the company's business plan, leveraging Meriaura Group's expertise and networks in large-scale energy system delivery, such as in system planning and executing projects.
"Rasol's high-quality solutions and expertise in solar power systems complement Meriaura Group's existing services in the Renewable Energy business, creating a stronger and more versatile offering for our customers. This integration enables us to capitalize on synergies and create new growth opportunities. Our shareholders also get better access to the growing market of renewable energy," rejoices Kirsi Suopelto, CEO of Meriaura Group.
"We have grown Rasol into a significant player in its industry. The next leap in growth requires stronger shoulders, which we believe we will have as part of a larger, listed entity. With Meriaura Group's networks and expertise, we can take our operations to a new level both in terms of business and, for instance, considering environmental perspectives. We perceive this as significant also on a personal level," state Lehvonen and Rantavuori.
MERIAURA GROUP PLC
Further information:
CEO Kirsi Suopelto
Tel: +358 505 602 349
Email: kirsi.suopelto@meriaura.com
Meriaura Group Plc discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication November 30, 2023 at 11.30 am (CET) by the aforementioned person.
Meriaura Group in brief
Meriaura Group has two business areas: Maritime Logistics and Renewable Energy.
The Maritime Logistics business (Meriaura Ltd) is a significant driver of dry freight and demanding project deliveries in Northern Europe, especially in the Baltic Sea and North Sea regions. The company offers its customers competitive and environmentally sustainable maritime transport services while reducing carbon emissions from maritime transport. Long-term charter agreements, a modern fleet and a strong market position in renewable energy construction projects provide an opportunity for cargo that supports environmentally friendly solutions. As part of maritime logistics, VG-EcoFuel Ltd manufactures recycled biofuels from bio and recycled oils produced as industrial by-products.
The Renewable Energy business (Meriaura Energy Ltd) designs and delivers clean energy production systems as turnkey deliveries. At the heart of the systems are large-scale solar thermal systems, which are implemented using the company's own efficient solar thermal collectors. In addition, other energy production and storage technologies can be connected to the systems. The company has taken solar thermal technology to a new level, and its collectors feature patented, nano-coated direct flow absorbers. With this leading technology, Meriaura Energy helps its customers produce clean and competitive energy.
Meriaura Group's share is listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Sweden as MERIS and on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland as MERIH.
www.meriauragroup.com
The Company's Certified Adviser is Augment Partners AB, info@augment.se, tel. +46 8 604 22 55.
