HS Orka, an Icelandic renewable energy and utility company 50 per cent owned by Ancala Partners, has secured a USD210 million financing package with a group of leading European commercial lenders.HS Orka has also made three senior management appointments, with Tómas Már Sigurdsson joining as Chief Executive Officer, Björk Þórarinsdóttir as Chief Financial Officer and Sunna Björg Helgadóttir as Chief Technology Officer.
The new financing comprises a term loan, capex facility and a revolving credit facility. HS Orka will use the facilities to pursue attractive development projects and strengthen its position as Iceland’s leading privately owned power producer. The company had been exploring financing options to both refinance its existing facilities and support its long-term growth plans following the acquisition of the company in May 2019 by Ancala in partnership with Jarðvarmi, a consortium of 14 Icelandic pension plans.
DC Advisory acted as financial adviser to the borrower. Latham & Watkins and Logos acted as legal advisers to the borrower, with Shearman & Sterling acting as legal advisers to the Lenders.
Sigurdsson joins HS Orka following a successful 15-year career at Alcoa Corporation, the NYSE-listed industrial company, where he held a number of roles during his tenure including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Alcoa, Sigurdsson held various management positions at Norðurál, Iceland. He has served on the board of various companies and organisations, including as President of The Iceland Chamber of Commerce (2009-2012), board member for The Federation of Icelandic Industries (2005-2011), executive board member for Business Europe and executive board member for Europe Aluminium.
Lee Mellor, Partner, Ancala Partners, says: “We are delighted to welcome Tómas to HS Orka as the company embarks on its next phase of growth. His expertise in Iceland’s energy market, as well as in project management and strategic planning globally, will be invaluable as the company pursues various growth and business development opportunities, which are further supported by the recent refinancing.”
Tómas Már Sigurdsson, CEO, HS Orka, says: “I am delighted to have joined HS Orka at this exciting time. The company has been a pioneer in geothermal energy production and innovation, and gained worldwide recognition for its Resource Park concept, which is a great example of how we can use natural resources in a sustainable manner to benefit the community and the environment. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the company and to work with HS Orka’s exceptional team.”
