Will GE buy Adwen?

Negotiations about the merger of the turbine businesses of Siemens and Gamesa lasted for months in spring this year and were threatened to almost burst. This was due to the 50: 50 joint venture of Gamesa with the French nuclear group Areva, which produces offshore wind turbines under the name of Adwen. Siemens, already market leader in offshore turbines, apparently had no interest in a takeover of the JV, so it took several months before a solution could be found for Adwen: Areva puts the JV up for sale on the market as a whole – or pays for Gamesa’s share in a couple of months.

First prospect for a bidder was the American company GE in June. GE had done well in the onshore market in the past, but only recently started their offshore business by taking over Alstom’s offshore turbines. Since then the 5 MW Haliade is sold under the name of GE.

So what could be more appropriate than increasing the offshore market share due to the acquisition of another offshore turbine manufacturer?

Similar ideas had obviously crossed the minds of the German turbine manufacturer Senvion, because shortly after first rumors about the interest of GE appeared, it was said that Senvion would also make an offer for the purchase of Adwen (we reported).

According to the French magazine La Lettre de l'Expansion signs are increasing for GE to be serious: Later this week, GE plans to submit a bid for the takeover of Adwen.