Black Hills, NorthWestern Energy shareholders approve merger proposals

Black Hills Corp. (BKH) and NorthWestern Energy (NWE) announced that shareholders of each company voted to approve the proposed all-stock merger and other related shareholder proposals at their Special Shareholder Meetings held earlier today. “The shareholder approvals represent a significant milestone toward the completion of the transaction, which was announced on Aug. 19, 2025. Upon closing of the merger, the two companies will combine to form Bright Horizon Energy Corporation, a premier regional regulated energy company serving customers across eight states,” the companies stated. “Shareholder approval underscores the compelling strategic rationale of this merger. Together, we will have enhanced scale, financial strength, and growth opportunities to support safe, reliable, and affordable energy service,” added Linn Evans, president and CEO of Black Hills. The merger remains subject to the receipt of required federal and state regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The companies continue to expect the transaction to close in the second half of 2026.