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Talen to Buy 2.6 GW of PJM Gas Plants for $3.45 Billion

Management projects double-digit per-share cash flow growth through 2030.

Overview

  • Talen will pay $2.55 billion in cash funded by debt and issue about $900 million in stock, making Energy Capital Partners a significant shareholder.
  • The acquisition includes Lawrenceburg (1,218 MW) and Waterford (869 MW) combined-cycle units that ran at roughly 87% capacity factors in 2024 and the 480‑MW Darby peaking plant, all supplied by Appalachian shale gas.
  • Closing is targeted for early in the second half of 2026, subject to approvals from FERC and the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission for the Lawrenceburg facility.
  • About 840 MW of Lawrenceburg’s capacity is contracted to Indiana Michigan Power from June 2028 through May 2034.
  • Talen cites a roughly 6.6x multiple of projected 2027 adjusted EBITDA, expects leverage near 3.5x by end-2026 and immediate free cash flow on closing, while Moody’s affirmed below-investment-grade ratings with a negative outlook.