Direct Energy Closes On AWHR For $30 Million

Deal Grows Company's North American Home Energy Services Business

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Oct 11, 2013, 11:44 ET

HOUSTON, Oct. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Energy, one of North America's largest competitive energy and energy-related services companies, has closed the purchase of AWHR from MWHR, a U.S. based investment entity, for $30 million in cash plus working capital.

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Headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, AWHR is the largest independent water heater rental business in the U.S. and provides rentals, as well as related repair and maintenance services, to 80,000 residential customers located principally in the Midwest, Florida and U.S. Northeast. Direct Energy is a leading provider of water heater rental services in Ontario, Canada, where it currently has 1.1 million customers.

The AWHR business model, customer footprint and operations have a strong overlap with Direct Energy's existing services business. This deal provides Direct Energy Services with an expanded product range and the opportunity to grow its customer base further in the U.S. - offering water heater and HVAC rental and leasing alongside heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services across its growing North American franchise business.

Badar Khan, president and CEO of Direct Energy, said: "AWHR presents us with a unique opportunity to grow Direct Energy's customer base through a combination with our existing home services operations and expertise in water heater rental services. We will also benefit from operational efficiencies and expanded capabilities, as we seek continued growth in North America with the aim of doubling the profitability of Direct Energy's North American downstream business over the next 3-5 years."

In 2010, Direct Energy acquired Florida-based Clockwork Home Services to become the largest provider of heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical services in North America, serving more than three million residential customers annually. The Clockwork network includes the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®, Mister Sparky®, and One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® brands. Direct Energy acquired Home Warranty of America, a leading supplier of whole home protection plans across the U.S., in 2012 to complement its existing energy and services business and enhance its ability to offer comprehensive protection plans to customers.

"As the leader in U.S. energy and services, we are excited to add AWHR's capabilities to our already broad suite of home services and solutions," said Scott Boose, president of Direct Energy Services. "This deal will significantly bolster our services offering and ability to provide customers across the U.S. with more comprehensive home services options."

About Direct Energy
Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with over six million residential and commercial customer relationships. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 46 states plus DC and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com.

About AWHR
AWHR is America's full-service appliance rental service company, specializing in the rental of water heaters and home appliances with no deductibles or service fees. AWHR is committed to making high-quality appliances available to everyone. For more information, visit www.awhr.com.

SOURCE Direct Energy