AES Corp's stock soared 6.62% during intraday trading on Friday, following multiple media reports that the company is in advanced talks to be acquired.
The sharp increase is attributed to a Bloomberg News report stating that BlackRock-owned Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and equity firm EQT AB are nearing a deal to acquire the U.S.-based utility. Sources familiar with the matter indicated a transaction could be announced as soon as next week, though the final agreement has not been reached and details could still change.
Market chatter surrounding the potential takeover has fueled investor optimism, leading to the significant price appreciation. The reports highlight strategic interest in the power sector as data-center demand strains electrical grids, increasing the value of large, reliable generation portfolios.