(Rapid City, SD) — A major energy merger is in the works as Rapid City-based Black Hills Corp and NorthWestern Energy with ties to Sioux Falls have announced plans to combine. The move comes as both companies face rising energy demand being driven in part by new data centers across the region, including recent proposals in Deuel and Minnehaha counties. The more-than 15-billion-dollar merger will form a new company headquartered in Rapid City, with Black Hills shareholders holding the majority stake. Leaders say the merger isn’t a buyout and won’t create immediate new jobs, but it will help both companies better serve customers as the energy landscape grows. The deal is expected to close in 12 to 15 months, pending approval.
