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Cross-border offshore energy acquisition case study: From offshore assets to onshore impact

Acquisition of an energy transmission business with £3 billion in assets.
A cross-border deal between Abu Dhabi and the UK.
Unlocking low-carbon, high growth expansion.
Another client success story, supported by Addleshaw Goddard.

Our client, TAQA (Abu Dhabi National Energy Company), a major global energy player, instructed us to help expand its footprint in the international transmission sector as part of its long-term expansion strategy. The acquisition of Transmission Investment (TI) marks TAQA’s first-ever international transaction for the transmission side of its business.

TI is a UK-based critical infrastructure operator in offshore electricity transmission. TI has around £3 billion in regulated assets under management across 11 offshore electricity transmission (OFTO) assets, with additional interconnector and grid stability projects in development.

This aquisition will enable TAQA to scale further, ensuring long-term and stable returns. The transaction marks a significant step for TAQA’s investment ambitions in energy infrastructure beyond the MENA region.

A few fast facts

£3BN+

1st

40%

worth of assets

International Transmission acquisition

Success rate

£3 billion+ worth of assets operated by Transmission Investment.

First international transmission acquisition for TAQA.

40% success rate for Transmission Investment in their OFTO bids with their consortium in partnerships with Amber Infrastructure and International Public Partnerships.

£3BN+

1st

worth of assets

International Transmission acquisition

£3 billion+ worth of assets operated by Transmission Investment.

First international transmission acquisition for TAQA.

40%

Success rate

40% success rate for Transmission Investment in their OFTO bids with their consortium in partnerships with Amber Infrastructure and International Public Partnerships.

What happened

We advised TAQA throughout the acquisition, helping them successfully navigate a complex competitive bid process. We undertook legal due diligence which included detailed regulatory analysis on the various types of transmission and infrastructure projects which TI has under management and in development, supported transaction structuring and participated in deal negotiations.

Both parties were keen to retain key value drivers while protecting ongoing development projects and maintaining continuity within TI’s senior leadership.

The transaction featured several bespoke elements designed to balance risk and commercial outcomes.

We guided TAQA through UK regulatory frameworks, including an extended NSIA approval process, which was successfully concluded with input from our Competition team. Given the cross-border nature of the deal, we also engaged with Mourant in Guernsey for local law advice.

To support the TAQA team in managing their new investment, we provided
additional assistance to help them understand the applicable UK legal requirements and frameworks, helping them adapt from UAE law to UK corporate norms.

The outcome

TAQA’s acquisition of Transmission Investment represents a major strategic milestone that unlocked a UK-based transmission platform with active and future projects that support global energy transition goals. The acquisition strengthened TAQA’s presence in the offshore transmission space and aligns with their commitment to being a global leader in low-carbon power solutions. With a solid foothold in the UK and substantial capital backing, TAQA is now positioned for long-term success in the evolving global transmission market.