On one hand, Wall Street wants immediate financial gains and on the other hand, state regulators are concerned about market shares and rates. According to several experts, however, the energy industry is ripe for consolidation. Paul Hanzlik, a partner in Foley’s Chicago office, was quoted in the article, “Power Sector ‘Cries Out’ for Consolidation, But it is Difficult and Changing, Experts Say” in the July 2 issue of Power Markets Week. Hanzlik was quoted as saying that it is necessary to bring efficiency and lower costs through an integrated industry. Unfortunately, Hanzlik said, 25 percent of deals are rejected by the state and he recommended building consensus around issues to reach a negotiated settlement.
