Canadian Solar pulls plug on going private

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member Canadian Solar has rejected the proposal by its founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Shawn Qu to take the company private and delist from NASDAQ. Image: Canadian Solar

‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member Canadian Solar has rejected the proposal by its founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Shawn Qu to take the company private and delist from NASDAQ. 

The ‘Special Committee’ established by Canadian Solar’s board and other directors said in a statement that there was uncertainty surrounding Dr. Qu's ability to secure the financing required to enable him to make a fully-financed offer, which given the amount of time since the initial offer (December, 2017) and the significant changes that have taken place in the solar industry during that time period, the offer would be rejected. 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Dr. Qu has subsequently withdrawn the proposal.

However, Canadian Solar said that the Special Committee has also decided to recommend to the Board that it undertake a major review of the business and look at other ‘strategic alternatives’ that may be available to the company, which did not embrace a going private transaction.

21 May 2025
London, UK
The Renewables Procurement & Revenues Summit serves as the European platform for connecting renewable energy suppliers to the future of energy demand. This includes bringing together a community of European off-takers, renewable generators, utilities, asset owners, and financiers. The challenges ahead are complex, but through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision, we can navigate uncertainties and forge a sustainable energy future. Let us harness our collective knowledge to advance the renewable energy agenda.
25 November 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Large Scale Solar Central and Eastern Europe continues to be the place to leverage a network that has been made over more than 10 years, to build critical partnerships to develop solar projects throughout the region.

Read Next

May 21, 2025
There is potential for cPPAs to deliver the energy transition, according to speakers at the Renewables Procurement and Revenue Summit.
May 21, 2025
US PV module manufacturer Silfab Solar has acquired a patent portfolio for back-contact (BC) solar cells from solar research firm EnPV.
May 21, 2025
The US International Trade Commission has voted unanimously to impose AD/CVD tariffs on solar cells from Southeast Asia.
May 21, 2025
Installation of the anchoring system for what has been badged the world’s first floating offshore solar-wind project has been completed.
May 21, 2025
PPAs and VPPAs are an imperfect but effective tool, according to speakers at the 2025 Renewables Procurement & Revenue Summit.
Sponsored
May 21, 2025
Francois Cui, president of LONGi Europe, discusses the Hi-MO 9, the latest in its line-up of high-efficiency back contact PV modules.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
May 21, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
June 17, 2025
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 8, 2025
Asia