Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas file with North Carolina Utilities Commission for acquisition approval

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy DUK and Piedmont Natural Gas PNY today filed their application with the North Carolina Utilities Commission seeking regulatory approval of Duke Energy's proposed acquisition of Piedmont announced Oct. 26, 2015. 

"This transaction will bring an array of benefits to North Carolina's energy consumers and the state's economy, and will not adversely impact Duke Energy's or Piedmont's customer rates or service," said Lynn Good, chairman, president and CEO of Duke Energy. "We look forward to the opportunity to present the transaction and its benefits to the North Carolina Utilities Commission at an upcoming hearing."

Also today, the companies filed with the Tennessee Regulatory Authority for approval of a change in control of Piedmont that will result from Duke Energy's acquisition of Piedmont. 

On Jan. 13, 2016, the companies presented information regarding the acquisition to the Public Service Commission of South Carolina and answered commissioners' questions. 

The transaction requires approval by Piedmont shareholders, who will vote on the transaction Jan. 22, 2016.

The Federal Trade Commission has granted early termination of the 30-day waiting period under the federal Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act with regard to the acquisition.

The companies are targeting a closing of the transaction by the end of 2016.

About Duke Energy
Duke Energy is the largest electric power holding company in the United States. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.3 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest, representing a population of approximately 23 million people. Its Commercial Portfolio and International business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com

Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Piedmont Natural Gas
Piedmont Natural Gas PNY is an energy services company primarily engaged in the distribution of natural gas to more than one million residential, commercial, industrial and power-generation utility customers in portions of North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, including customers served by municipalities that are wholesale customers. Its subsidiaries are invested in joint venture, energy-related businesses, including unregulated retail natural gas marketing, regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage, and regulated intrastate natural gas transportation businesses. More information about Piedmont Natural Gas is available at www.piedmontng.com.

Cautionary statements regarding forward-looking information
This document includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions.

These forward-looking statements are identified by terms and phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "continue," "should," "could," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "will," "potential," "forecast," "target," "guidance," "outlook," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from the results predicted. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the proposed merger involving Duke Energy or Piedmont, including future financial and operating results, Duke Energy's or Piedmont's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, the expected timing of completion of the transaction, and other statements that are not historical facts. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties relating to: the ability to obtain the requisite approvals of Piedmont's shareholders; the risk that Duke Energy or Piedmont may be unable to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals required for the merger, or that required governmental and regulatory approvals may delay the merger or result in the imposition of conditions that could cause the parties to abandon the merger; the risk that a condition to closing of the merger may not be satisfied; the timing to consummate the proposed merger; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; the risk that the cost savings and any other synergies from the transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; disruption from the transaction making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers; the diversion of management time on merger-related issues; and the effect of changes in governmental regulations. Additional risks and uncertainties are identified and discussed in Duke Energy's and its subsidiaries' reports filed with the SEC and available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described in the forward-looking statements might not occur or might occur to a different extent or at a different time than described. Duke Energy undertakes any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Contacts: 
Tom Williams, Duke Energy
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

David Trusty, Piedmont Natural Gas
704.731.4391

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To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-piedmont-natural-gas-file-with-north-carolina-utilities-commission-for-acquisition-approval-300205252.html

SOURCE Duke Energy

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