A Louisiana utility, Cleco Power, is poised for a major ownership shift as a consortium led by Macquarie moves toward a sale. The deal would hand control of the company to Stonepeak Partners LP and Bernhard Capital Partners. Sources say the transaction could value the utility at nearly $6 billion in the coming months.

Cleco Power supplies electricity to parts of Louisiana and has long been a target for private‑equity interest. A sale at this scale would mark one of the largest utility transactions in the state in recent years. Investors eye the deal for its potential to unlock value in a regulated market in the sector today.

Macquarie’s involvement signals confidence in the utility’s asset base and growth prospects. Bernhard Capital’s participation adds a seasoned energy investor to the mix, potentially easing regulatory scrutiny. The combined ownership would bring together expertise in infrastructure and strategic capital deployment, positioning Cleco for future expansion and technology upgrades in the southeastern U.S. market region.

For shareholders, the deal represents a substantial exit opportunity, while for the local grid, it promises capital infusion and potential service improvements. The transaction, if closed, would set a precedent for future utility acquisitions in the region. Market participants will monitor regulatory approvals and final pricing details closely as the deal progresses through this year.