IPALCO Enterprises, Inc. Announces Launch of Consent Solicitation for Senior Notes

Rhea-AI Summary

IPALCO Enterprises (NYSE:AES) commenced consent solicitations on March 5, 2026 to amend indentures governing two series of senior notes: $475.0M 4.25% notes due 2030 and $400.0M 5.75% notes due 2034.

The Proposed Amendments would exclude the announced AES merger from being a Change of Control, designate GIP and EQT affiliates as Permitted Holders, and modify related defined terms. Consenting holders receive $1.00 per $1,000 principal if Requisite Consents (majority of each series) are obtained and the merger closes, expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Record date was Feb 27, 2026; consent solicitations expire March 11, 2026 unless extended.

Positive

• Outstanding notes: $475M (2030) and $400M (2034)
• Consent Fee: $1.00 per $1,000 principal for consenting holders
• Proposed Amendments would remove Merger as a Change of Control
• Parent will fund Consent Fee and related costs
• Requisite Consents: majority of each series required for effectiveness

Negative

• If Requisite Consents not received, Proposed Amendments will not become operative
• Consent Fee payment conditioned on Merger consummation (late 2026/early 2027)
• Merger may still trigger a rating downgrade and a Change of Control Triggering Event

News Market Reaction – AES

-0.49%

-0.49% Session close to close

In the Mar 6 session, AES declined 0.49%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement details consent solicitations for IPALCO’s $475,000,000 4.25% 2030 notes and $400,...

Analysis

This announcement details consent solicitations for IPALCO’s $475,000,000 4.25% 2030 notes and $400,000,000 5.75% 2034 notes, offering a $1.00 fee per $1,000 principal to support amendments tied to AES’s planned merger at $15.00 per share. The key change is to prevent the merger from triggering a Change of Control under the indentures. Investors may watch whether Requisite Consents are obtained and how rating agencies treat the notes as the late‑2026 to early‑2027 closing window approaches.

Key Figures

4.25% Notes 2030: $475,000,000 5.75% Notes 2034: $400,000,000 Consent fee per $1,000: $1.00 +5 more

8 metrics

4.25% Notes 2030 $475,000,000 Aggregate principal amount of 4.25% Senior Notes due 2030

5.75% Notes 2034 $400,000,000 Aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes due 2034

Consent fee per $1,000 $1.00 Consent Fee for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes

Record Date 5:00 p.m. Feb 27, 2026 Holders of record eligible to deliver consents

Expiration Time 5:00 p.m. Mar 11, 2026 Consent Solicitation expiration, subject to extension

Requisite Consents threshold Majority of principal Required of each series’ outstanding Notes for amendments

Merger timing window Late 2026 or early 2027 Expected timing of AES merger completion

Per-share merger price $15.00 per share Cash consideration in agreed acquisition of AES

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 02 (Negative)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Mar 02	Shareholder fairness review	Negative	-17.8%	Investigation-style headline questioning fairness of deals for shareholders.
Mar 02	Acquisition announcement	Positive	-17.8%	Agreement to be acquired for $15.00 per share, implying $10.7B equity value.
Feb 27	Earnings call reschedule	Neutral	+6.3%	Rescheduled Q4 and full-year 2025 results call to Mar 3, 2026.
Feb 24	Power agreements	Positive	+0.1%	20-year power purchase agreements with Google for a Texas data center.
Feb 20	Dividend declaration	Positive	-1.5%	Quarterly dividend of $0.17595 per share announced for May 15, 2026 payment.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent news includes the buyout agreement at $15.00 per share and related scrutiny, with mixed price alignment: the acquisition announcement saw a sharp negative reaction, while operational and scheduling updates drew modest moves.

Recent Company History

Over the past weeks, AES has reported a series of material developments. On Feb 20, it declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17595 per share. On Feb 24, AES announced long-term power agreements with Google in Texas. A few days later, it rescheduled its Q4 and full-year 2025 call to Mar 3, 2026. On Mar 2, a consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners and EQT agreed to acquire AES for $15.00 per share in cash, valuing equity at about $10.7 billion, followed by shareholder fairness-focused headlines.

Key Terms

consent solicitation, indenture, cusip, change of control, +4 more

8 terms

consent solicitation financial

"today announced that it has commenced consent solicitations (each a "Consent Solicitation""

A consent solicitation is a formal request sent to shareholders or creditors asking them to sign off on a proposed corporate change—such as altering governance rules, approving a deal, or waiving contract terms—without holding a full meeting. It matters to investors because it can quickly change their rights, voting power or the company’s direction, much like asking neighbors to sign a petition to alter a shared fence rather than discussing it at a community meeting.

indenture financial

"to amend each of the indentures (each an "Indenture" and, collectively, the "Indentures")"

An indenture is a legal agreement between a company that borrows money by issuing bonds and the people who buy those bonds. It explains the rules the company must follow, like paying back the money and keeping certain financial promises. This document helps both sides understand their rights and responsibilities.

cusip financial

"Title of Series of Notes | CUSIP Numbers | Aggregate Principal Amount"

A CUSIP is a nine-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a U.S. or Canadian financial security—such as a stock, bond, or fund share—like a Social Security number for an investment. It matters to investors because brokers, exchanges and record-keepers use the CUSIP to match trades, track ownership, settle transactions and pull accurate records, reducing errors and ensuring money and securities go to the right place.

View in glossary

change of control financial

"will constitute a "Change of Control" under each of the Indentures"

A change of control occurs when the ownership or management of a company shifts significantly, such as through a sale, merger, or acquisition, resulting in new leadership or ownership structure. This change can impact the company's direction and decision-making, which is important for investors because it may affect the company's stability, strategy, and future prospects.

permitted holders financial

"provide that affiliates of GIP and EQT will be "Permitted Holders""

Permitted holders are the people or entities specifically allowed by a contract, offering document, or law to own or keep certain shares or securities even when general rules restrict transfers or ownership. Think of it like a guest list that lets only approved people stay at an event; for investors this affects who can buy, sell, or keep stock, which influences liquidity, control and the timing of potential sales.

supplemental indenture financial

"a supplemental indenture to the applicable Indenture (each, a "Supplemental Indenture")"

A supplemental indenture is a written amendment to the original bond agreement that changes specific terms of a debt contract, such as payment schedules, interest rates, collateral or covenant protections. Investors care because it alters the legal rights and risks tied to a security — like renegotiating a mortgage where the lender and borrower agree to new rules — and can affect a bond’s credit quality, yield and market value.

rating agencies financial

"by two of the three Rating Agencies (as defined in the Indentures)"

Organizations that evaluate and assign scores to the creditworthiness of companies, governments, or specific debt securities, similar to a report card showing how likely an issuer is to repay loans. Investors use these scores as a quick guide to risk: they influence interest costs, the value and demand for bonds and loans, and whether an investment fits safety or regulatory rules, much like a safety rating affects how people choose a car.

consent fee financial

"consent consideration equal to $1.00 per $1,000 in principal amount"

A consent fee is a payment made to creditors, bondholders or counterparties in exchange for their formal approval of a change to an existing agreement, such as a loan amendment, covenant waiver, or restructuring term. It matters to investors because it is a real cost that can indicate financial stress, affects company cash flow and creditor relations, and signals how willing lenders are to accept altered terms — like paying neighbors to agree to a change in a shared fence.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google

Add on Google Not now

INDIANAPOLIS, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- IPALCO Enterprises, Inc. ("IPALCO") today announced that it has commenced consent solicitations (each a "Consent Solicitation" and collectively, the "Consent Solicitations") to amend each of the indentures (each an "Indenture" and, collectively, the "Indentures") governing certain series of its outstanding notes, as set forth in the table below (collectively, the "Notes"). The terms and conditions of the Consent Solicitations are set forth in a consent solicitation statement dated as of March 5, 2026 (as it may be amended and supplemented from time to time, the "Consent Solicitation Statement"). 

Title of Series of Notes	CUSIP Numbers	Aggregate Principal Amount Outstanding	Consent Fee(1)
4.25% Senior Notes due 2030	462613AP5 462613AN0 U4607XAG8	$475,000,000	$1.00
5.75% Senior Notes due 2034	462613AR1 462613AQ3 U4607XAH6	$400,000,000	$1.00
(1) For each $1,000 principal amount of Notes.

Amendment & Consent

As previously announced, on March 1, 2026, The AES Corporation, the indirect parent of IPALCO ("AES"), entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), by and among AES, Horizon Parent, L.P. ("Parent") and Horizon Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, Merger Sub will merge with and into AES (the "Merger"), with AES surviving the Merger. Parent and Merger Sub were formed by an investor consortium led by affiliates of Global Infrastructure Partners ("GIP"), a part of BlackRock, and the EQT Infrastructure VI fund ("EQT") for the purposes of engaging in the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. In connection with the Merger, IPALCO is making the Consent Solicitations at the request and expense of Parent. The consummation of the Merger is not conditioned on the consummation of the Consent Solicitations or upon any of the Proposed Amendments (as defined below) becoming operative.

The consummation of the Merger will constitute a "Change of Control" under each of the Indentures, which may result in a "Change of Control Triggering Event" (as defined in the Indentures) for a series of Notes if the rating on such series of Notes is lowered below an investment grade rating by two of the three Rating Agencies (as defined in the Indentures) as a result of the Merger. Neither AES nor Parent currently expects that the ratings of the Notes will be downgraded by any Rating Agency.

Subject to the conditions described in the Consent Solicitation Statement, IPALCO is seeking consent from the registered holders ("Holders") of each series of Notes to amend the Indentures to (i) provide that the Merger will not constitute a "Change of Control", (ii) provide that affiliates of GIP and EQT will be "Permitted Holders" and (iii) add to, amend, supplement or change certain other defined terms contained in the Indentures and Notes related to the foregoing (collectively, the "Proposed Amendments").

Only Holders of record of a series of Notes as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on February 27, 2026 (the "Record Date") are eligible to deliver consents to the Proposed Amendments applicable to such series of Notes. The Consent Solicitation with respect to any series of Notes will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 11, 2026, or such later time and date to which such Consent Solicitation is extended (such time and date, as it may be extended with respect to any series of Notes, the "Expiration Time"). A Holder may validly revoke its consent with respect to a series of Notes prior to the earlier of the Expiration Time and the time of execution of the relevant Supplemental Indenture (as defined below) with respect to such series of Notes (the "Revocation Deadline"), as described in the Consent Solicitation Statement. 

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Consent Solicitations, IPALCO is offering Holders of any series of Notes who validly deliver (and do not validly revoke) their consents with respect to such series of Notes prior to the applicable Expiration Time (each such Holder a "Consenting Holder") consent consideration equal to $1.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of such series of Notes held by such Consenting Holder (the "Consent Fee"). The payment of the Consent Fee with respect to each Consent Solicitation is conditioned upon satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement, including obtaining the Requisite Consents (as defined below) with respect to the applicable series of Notes, and additionally upon the consummation of the Merger. The Consent Fee for each series of Notes is expected to be paid substantially concurrently with the consummation of the Merger, if it is consummated, which is currently expected to be in late 2026 or early 2027. Payment of the Consent Fee for each series of Notes will be made by or on behalf of Parent or funded with consideration provided by or on behalf of Parent.

Holders who have validly delivered their consents prior to the applicable Expiration Time but who have validly revoked their consents prior to the applicable Revocation Deadline will not be eligible to receive the Consent Fee unless they validly deliver their consents again prior to such Expiration Time, and do not validly revoke their consents again prior to such Revocation Deadline.

The Proposed Amendments must be consented to by Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount the applicable series of Notes outstanding (the "Requisite Consents") in order to be effective with respect to such series of Notes. If the Requisite Consents are received for any series of Notes, it is expected that a supplemental indenture to the applicable Indenture (each, a "Supplemental Indenture") setting forth the Proposed Amendments will be entered into by IPALCO and the trustee for such series of Notes (each a "Trustee" and collectively, the "Trustees") promptly after receipt of such Requisite Consents, whether before or after the Expiration Time. Although the Supplemental Indenture for a series of Notes will become effective upon its execution by IPALCO and the applicable Trustee, the Proposed Amendments contained therein will only become operative upon the consummation of the Merger and the payment of the Consent Fee with respect to such series of Notes. Upon becoming operative, the Proposed Amendments will be binding on all Holders of the applicable series of Notes. If IPALCO fails to obtain the Requisite Consents for any series of Notes, the other conditions to the Consent Solicitation for such series of Notes are not satisfied or waived or the Merger is not consummated, no Consent Fee will be paid with respect to such series of Notes, the Proposed Amendments with respect to such series of Notes will not become operative and such series of Notes will continue to be subject to the current terms and conditions of the applicable Indenture.

The complete terms and conditions of the Consent Solicitations are set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement that is being sent to the Holders of each series of the Notes. IPALCO may, in its sole discretion, extend, amend or terminate any Consent Solicitation with respect to a series of Notes at any time and from time to time as described in the Consent Solicitation Statement.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. are serving as solicitation agents (the "Solicitation Agents") in connection with the Consent Solicitations. Global Bondholder Services Corporation ("GBSC") is serving as the information agent and tabulation agent in connection with the Consent Solicitations. Questions regarding the terms of the Consent Solicitations may be directed to the Solicitation Agents to Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC at (800) 828-3182 (toll free) or to Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at (800) 558-3745. Questions or requests for assistance in completing and delivering a consent or requests for copies of the Consent Solicitation Statement may be directed to GBSC at (855) 654-2014 (toll free) or by email to contact@gbsc-usa.com. 

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or an offer to purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell, any security. The Consent Solicitations are only being made pursuant to the terms of the Consent Solicitation Statement. No recommendation is being made as to whether Holders should consent to the Proposed Amendments. The Consent Solicitations are not being made in any jurisdiction in which, or to or from any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such solicitation under applicable state or foreign securities or "blue sky" laws.

About IPALCO

IPALCO Enterprises, Inc. is a holding company which, through its principal subsidiary Indianapolis Power & Light Company, a regulated electric utility that provides retail electric service to more than 533,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers, engages primarily in generating, transmitting, distributing and selling electric energy, with its customer base concentrated in Indianapolis, Indiana. IPALCO Enterprises, Inc. is owned by The AES Corporation, a global power company, with CDP Infrastructures Fund L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), as minority interest holder.

About AES

The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, we're improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. Our diverse workforce is committed to continuous innovation and operational excellence, while partnering with our customers on their strategic energy transitions and continuing to meet their energy needs today.

About Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a Part of BlackRock

Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock, is a leading infrastructure investor that specializes in investing in, owning and operating some of the largest and most complex assets across the energy, transport, digital infrastructure and water and waste management sectors. GIP's scaled platform has over $193 billion in assets under management. We believe that our focus on real infrastructure assets, combined with our deep proprietary origination network and comprehensive operational expertise, enables us to be responsible stewards of our clients' capital and create positive economic impact for communities.

About EQT

EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 270 billion in total assets under management (EUR 141 billion in fee-generating assets under management) as of 31 December 2025, within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets. EQT owns portfolio companies and assets in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas and supports them in achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

Important Information and Where to Find It

This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed transaction between AES and Parent. In connection with the proposed transaction, AES expects to file a proxy statement on Schedule 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). AES also may file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. This communication is not a substitute for the proxy statement or any other document AES has filed or may file with the SEC and send to its stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement (when available) and other documents that are filed or will be filed with the SEC by AES through the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or through AES' website at https://www.aes.com/investors/ or by contacting AES' Investor Relations Team at invest@aes.com.

Participants in the Solicitation

AES, its directors and officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from AES' stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction between AES and Parent (the "Transaction"). Additional information regarding the identity of the participants, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement and other materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction (if and when they become available). Information relating to the foregoing can also be found in the "Compensation Discussion & Analysis," "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors, and Executive Officers" and "Proposal 1: Election of Directors" sections in AES' proxy statement for its 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 19, 2025 (the "Annual Meeting Proxy Statement"). To the extent holdings of securities by potential participants (or the identity of such participants) have changed since the information printed in the Annual Meeting Proxy Statement, such information has been or will be reflected on AES' Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 3 and Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 that are filed or will be filed with the SEC. You may obtain free copies of these documents (when available) using the sources indicated above.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of, and subject to the safe harbor created by, the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the Consent Solicitations, including the timing thereof, the execution of a supplemental indenture to the applicable Indenture and the payment of the Consent Fee, and the Transaction, including financial estimates and statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the Transaction. These forward-looking statements are based on AES' and IPALCO's current expectations, estimates and projections regarding, among other things, the expected date of closing of the Transaction and the potential benefits thereof, its business and industry, management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by AES and IPALCO, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, because they relate to events and depend upon future circumstances that may or may not occur, such as the consummation of the Transaction and the anticipated benefits thereof. These and other forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (i) the completion of the Transaction on anticipated terms and timing; (ii) the risk that the conditions to the completion of the Transaction, including obtaining required stockholder and regulatory approvals, are not satisfied in a timely manner or at all; (iii) potential litigation relating to the Transaction, including resulting expense or delay, and the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (iv) the risk that disruptions from the Transaction will harm AES' or IPALCO's business, including current plans and operations; (v) the ability of AES to retain and hire key personnel; (vi) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the Transaction; (vii) continued availability of capital and financing and rating agency actions; (viii) certain restrictions during the pendency of the Transaction that may impact AES' or IPALCO's ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; (ix) significant transaction costs associated with the Transaction; (x) the possibility that the Transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (xi) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Transaction, including in circumstances requiring AES to pay a termination fee or other expenses; (xii) competitive responses to the Transaction; and (xiii) the risks and uncertainties pertaining to AES' or IPALCO's business, including those set forth in Part I, Item 1A of AES' and IPALCO's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports filed by AES or IPALCO with the SEC. These risks, as well as other risks associated with the Transaction, will be more fully discussed in the proxy statement to be provided to AES' stockholders in connection with the Transaction. While the list of factors presented here is, and the list of factors to be presented in the proxy statement will be, considered representative, no such list should be considered a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and AES and IPALCO do not undertake to and specifically disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts

AES Investor Contact:

Susan Harcourt 703-682-1204, susan.harcourt@aes.com

AES Media Contact:

Amy Ackerman 703-682-6399, amy.ackerman@aes.com

GIP Contact:

Mustafa Riffat, 917-747-4156, mustafa.riffat@blackrock.com

EQT Contact:

Mathilde Milch, 917-510-6626, mathilde.milch@eqtpartners.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ipalco-enterprises-inc-announces-launch-of-consent-solicitation-for-senior-notes-302705979.html

SOURCE IPALCO Enterprises

FAQ

What are the terms of IPALCO's consent solicitation for AES senior notes (March 5, 2026)?

IPALCO is seeking majority consents to amend indentures for two note series and will pay $1.00 per $1,000 principal to consenting holders. According to IPALCO, amendments exclude the AES merger as a Change of Control and name GIP and EQT affiliates as Permitted Holders.

Which AES/IPALCO note series are subject to the March 5, 2026 consent solicitations?

The solicitations cover 4.25% Senior Notes due 2030 ($475,000,000) and 5.75% Senior Notes due 2034 ($400,000,000). According to IPALCO, those aggregate principal amounts are outstanding as listed in the consent materials.

What is the deadline and record date for consenting to the IPALCO AES note amendments?

Only holders of record as of Feb 27, 2026 are eligible; the consent solicitations expire at 5:00 p.m. New York time on March 11, 2026. According to IPALCO, those dates set eligibility and the Expiration Time unless extended.

When and how will consenting holders receive the $1.00 consent fee for AES notes?

Consenting holders will receive $1.00 per $1,000 principal only if Requisite Consents are obtained and the Merger closes. According to IPALCO, the Consent Fee is expected to be paid substantially concurrently with consummation of the Merger.

How much consent is required for the Proposed Amendments to become effective for AES notes?

The Proposed Amendments require Requisite Consents equal to a majority of the aggregate principal amount outstanding for each applicable series. According to IPALCO, a Supplemental Indenture will be executed promptly after receipt of such majority consents.

Does the AES merger depend on obtaining consents for IPALCO's note amendments?

No, the consummation of the Merger is not conditioned on obtaining the consents or on the Proposed Amendments becoming operative. According to IPALCO, the Merger may close whether or not the Requisite Consents are received.