Duke Energy considers selling all or part of international division

Duke Energy might sell portions of its international business division, or the entire unit, the company said late last week.

Duke Energy International (DEI) operates approximately 4,400 megawatts of generating capacity through its plants in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Argentina, Guatemala and Peru. This announcement was made as a result of a required statement that was made by its subsidiary within Brazil, Geração Paranapanema S.A., due to it being publicly traded in that country. Duke Energy also owns a quarter equity stake in the National Methanol Company in Saudi Arabia. Duke Energy said this unit would not be part of any transactions involving the sale of DEI units.

The company said that at this time, there are no offers in either binding or nonbinding categories. It also said there is no guarantee of any transaction being made until the decision to sell is finalized and announced.

Should this be pursued, the company will make an official announcement, and updates regarding this situation will be released on Thursday, Feb. 18, during a scheduled earnings call, if there are any to report at that time.

DEI is based in Houston and operates all international business relating to Duke Energy.