By Greg Hazley
Copano Energy, which processes shale natural gas from wells in the U.S., is working with outside PR counsel through its $3.9B acquisition by Kinder Morgan Energy Partners.
The deal, announced Jan. 29 and expected to close in the third quarter, also includes assumption of debt that brings its value to nearly $5B.
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher partner Andrew Siegel leads the Copano account with an assist from director Nick Lamplough. The firm also advised El Paso in its blockbuster $21B sale to Kinder Morgan in 2011.
Copano operates 6,900 miles of pipelines and nine natural gas processing plants. KMP CEO Richard Kinder said the acquisition gives Kinder Morgan incremental development in the Eagle Ford Shale in south Texas, entry into the Barnett Shale Combo in north Texas, and the Mississippi Lime and Woodford Shales in Oklahoma. He said KM will retain a "vast majority" of Copano's 415 staffers.
Larry Morgan, VP of corporate comms. and public affairs for Kinder Morgan, handles its M&A communications. |