8-KMaterial AgreementsRegulation FDExhibits & Filings

Cheniere Energy, Inc. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Jun 19, 2018)

Filed June 19, 2018For Securities:LNG

Summary

Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG) has filed an 8-K report detailing a significant corporate action: an Agreement and Plan of Merger. Cheniere, through its subsidiary Columbia Acquisition Sub LLC, will merge with Cheniere Energy Partners LP Holdings, LLC (CQH). Upon completion, CQH will merge into Merger Sub, and CQH's common units will be converted into Cheniere Common Stock at a ratio of 0.4750 shares of Cheniere Common Stock per CQH Common Unit. This transaction aims to simplify Cheniere's corporate structure and is supported by both companies' boards and committees, with CQH's Conflicts Committee deeming it fair and reasonable. The merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, the effectiveness of Cheniere's S-4 registration statement, and the approval of CQH's members, which is expected to be secured given Cheniere's significant ownership stake of approximately 91.9% as of June 15, 2018. The transaction is targeted to close by December 18, 2018, barring any unforeseen circumstances. This move is expected to streamline operations and potentially enhance shareholder value by consolidating the ownership structure.

Key Highlights

  • 1Cheniere Energy (LNG) announced an Agreement and Plan of Merger to acquire its subsidiary, Cheniere Energy Partners LP Holdings, LLC (CQH).
  • 2Each CQH common unit will be converted into 0.4750 shares of Cheniere's common stock.
  • 3The transaction has received unanimous approval from CQH's Conflicts Committee and subsequent approval from the CQH Board of Directors.
  • 4Completion of the merger is subject to standard closing conditions, including SEC filings and shareholder approval.
  • 5Cheniere owns approximately 91.9% of CQH's outstanding common units, ensuring a high likelihood of member approval.
  • 6The merger agreement includes provisions regarding interim business conduct and dividends, with a deadline for closing by December 18, 2018.
  • 7The filing also includes a Support Agreement where Cheniere commits to voting its CQH units in favor of the merger.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of the merger agreement is to simplify Cheniere's corporate structure by merging its subsidiary, CQH, into Cheniere, thereby consolidating ownership under the parent company, Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG).

Holders of Cheniere Energy Partners LP Holdings, LLC (CQH) common units will receive 0.4750 shares of Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG) common stock for each CQH common unit they hold.

The merger requires several approvals, including the effectiveness of Cheniere's Form S-4 registration statement, approval of the merger agreement by a majority of CQH's outstanding common units (which Cheniere, as the majority owner, will provide), and the approval of the listing of Cheniere's common stock on the NYSE American. Additionally, there should be no governmental orders prohibiting the transaction.

The merger agreement specifies a termination date of December 18, 2018, implying that the transaction is expected to close on or before this date, provided all closing conditions are met.