New York, December 7th 2009 Enels acquisition of Endesa is the worlds top deal sealed in the energy sector in 2009. Enel has won the Platts Global Energy Award (GEA) in the category Deal of the Year, for the purchase of Endesa, the leading Spanish utility with a major presence also in Latin America. Following Endesas acquisition, finalized in June 2009, Enel has strengthened its international presence, thus becoming the second listed utility in Europe by installed capacity with over 96,000 MW and operational presence in 24 countries.
The GEA are known as the "Academy Awards" of energy. The prestigious award is handed out each year by Platts, since 1909 the leading global provider of energy and metals information. Every year, Platts receives over 200 nominations from more than 30 countries including Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States. Mr Toni Volpe, Head of North American area of Enel Green Power received the Award on behalf of the Enel Group.
Platts awarded the prize to Enels acquisition of Endesa because of the strategic significance of the project. An acquisition of this size and complexity requires an uncommon level of leadership, writes Platts. Enel CEO Fulvio Conti provided exactly that by combining savvy negotiating skills and powers of persuasion with a steadfast resolve to rally the Enel board and the companys employees around his vision.