FERC Authorizes TXNM Energy Acquisition by Blackstone Infrastructure, Finds Transaction Consistent with Public Interest
Rhea-AI Summary
TXNM (NYSE: TXNM) announced that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authorized its acquisition by Blackstone Infrastructure, finding the transaction consistent with the public interest.
FERC found no evidence the deal would impair regulation, raise rates, or harm competition. The transaction also has FCC approval, an expired HSR waiting period, PUCT settlement approval, and prior shareholder approval. Remaining approvals include the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.
Positive
- FERC authorization of the acquisition
- FCC approval already obtained
- Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period expired
- PUCT settlement approved
- Shareholders overwhelmingly approved the merger in August 2025
Negative
- NRC approval remains required
- NMPRC approval remains pending
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
TXNM gained 0.36% with strong volume, while key peers showed mixed, modest moves (e.g., IDA +0.42%, OGE +0.62%, NWE -0.12%), pointing to deal-specific trading rather than a sector-wide utilities move.
Previous Acquisition Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 06 | Texas approval | Positive | -0.1% | PUCT approves settlement allowing Blackstone to acquire TNMP with protections. |
| Dec 15 | Texas settlement | Positive | -0.3% | TXNM and Blackstone reach unanimous settlement supporting Texas acquisition approval. |
| Aug 28 | Shareholder vote | Positive | +0.3% | Shareholders overwhelmingly approve Blackstone acquisition with cash consideration terms. |
| May 19 | Deal announcement | Positive | +7.0% | TXNM agrees to be acquired by Blackstone for cash at a premium valuation. |
Acquisition-related headlines have generally been positive but produced mixed price reactions, with two modest declines and two gains, including one larger spike on initial deal announcement.
Over the past year, TXNM’s trajectory has been dominated by its sale to Blackstone Infrastructure. The agreement announced on May 19, 2025 at $61.25 per share and $11.5 billion enterprise value triggered a 6.98% move. Shareholders then approved the deal on Aug 28, 2025. Subsequent Texas settlement and PUCT approval news in Dec 2025 and Feb 2026 were positive but saw slightly negative price reactions. Today’s FERC approval fits this ongoing regulatory-approval path for the Blackstone transaction.
Historical Comparison
Past acquisition headlines for TXNM produced an average move of 1.73%. Today’s modest 0.36% gain on FERC approval is smaller but directionally consistent.
Acquisition news has progressed from the May 2025 agreement and pricing, to August 2025 shareholder approval, then Texas settlements and PUCT approval, and now FERC’s public-interest finding as remaining NRC and New Mexico decisions are pursued.
Regulatory & Risk Context
TXNM has an effective S-3ASR shelf dated Aug 8, 2025 registering the resale of up to 3,615,003 previously issued common shares. These sales are by existing holders and TXNM will not receive any proceeds, so the shelf primarily affects secondary liquidity rather than new capital raising.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement advances TXNM’s sale to Blackstone, with FERC finding the deal consistent with the public interest and no adverse impact on rates or competition. It follows earlier shareholder and Texas approvals, while NRC and New Mexico reviews remain outstanding. Historically, acquisition headlines have produced an average move of 1.73%, with mixed day-to-day reactions. Investors may watch remaining regulatory decisions, merger closing timelines, and secondary selling under the 3,615,003-share resale shelf.
Key Terms
federal energy regulatory commission regulatory
ferc regulatory
federal communications commission regulatory
hart-scott-rodino antitrust improvements act regulatory
public utility commission of texas regulatory
nuclear regulatory commission regulatory
new mexico public regulation commission regulatory
ring-fencing financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
The order states FERC finds the transaction consistent with the public interest. FERC concludes there is "no evidence that either state or federal regulation will be impaired by the proposed transaction", "no evidence that the proposed transaction will have an adverse effect on rates" and the proposed transaction will not have an adverse effect on horizontal or vertical competition. FERC rejected opposition based on data center ownership by Blackstone Infrastructure and affiliates and private equity ownership of public utilities, and relied on the adequacy of existing and committed state ring-fencing protections in
The acquisition has received federal regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act has expired. The Public Utility Commission of
The merger also requires federal approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and state approval from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC).
The order and additional materials pertaining to the application are available at https://www.txnmenergy.com/investors/rates-and-filings/ferc-filings.aspx.
Background:
TXNM Energy (NYSE: TXNM), an energy holding company based in
CONTACTS: | |
Analysts | Media |
Lisa Goodman | Corporate Communications |
(505) 241-2160 | (505) 241-2743 |
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Statements made in this press release that relate to future events or expectations, projections, estimates, intentions, goals, targets, and strategies are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally include statements regarding the potential transaction between TXNM Energy and Blackstone Infrastructure, including any statements regarding the expected timetable for completing the potential transaction, the ability to complete the potential transaction, the expected benefits of the potential transaction, projected financial information, future opportunities, and any other statements regarding TXNM Energy's and Blackstone Infrastructure's future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, or future events or performance. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and estimates. Neither Blackstone Infrastructure nor TXNM Energy assumes any obligation to update this information. Because actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, TXNM Energy caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements. TXNM Energy's business, financial condition, cash flow, and operating results are influenced by many factors, which are often beyond its control, that can cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of risk factors and other important factors affecting forward-looking statements, please see TXNM Energy's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings and the information filed on TXNM Energy's Forms 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which factors are specifically incorporated by reference herein and the risks and uncertainties related to the proposed transaction with Blackstone Infrastructure, including, but not limited to: the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the pending transaction, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the pending transaction that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the transaction, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the transaction agreement, including in circumstances requiring the Company to pay a termination fee, the possibility that TXNM Energy's shareholders may not approve the transaction agreement, the risk that the parties may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the proposed transaction in a timely manner or at all, the outcome of legal proceedings that may be instituted against TXNM Energy, its directors and others related to the proposed transaction, risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction, the risk that the proposed transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the ability of TXNM Energy to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with its customers and suppliers, and on its operating results and businesses generally, the amount of costs, fees, charges or expenses resulting from the proposed transaction, and the risk that the price of TXNM Energy's common stock may fluctuate during the pendency of the proposed transaction and may decline significantly if the proposed transaction is not completed. Other unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed in this communication could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof.
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SOURCE TXNM Energy, Inc.
FAQ
What did FERC decide about the Blackstone Infrastructure acquisition of TXNM (NYSE: TXNM)?
Which federal approvals has TXNM (NYSE: TXNM) secured for the Blackstone deal?
What state approvals has TXNM (NYSE: TXNM) obtained for the acquisition?
Are TXNM shareholders supportive of the Blackstone Infrastructure merger (NYSE: TXNM)?
What regulatory approvals still block closing the TXNM (NYSE: TXNM) acquisition?
