8 June 2006 -- NorthWestern Energy announced that it has submitted formal applications with state and federal regulatory authorities seeking approval of its sale to Babcock & Brown Infrastructure.

NorthWestern and BBI have filed joint applications with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Montana Public Service Commission and the Nebraska Public Service Commission and submitted a "petition for a declaratory ruling" to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.

The filings initiate the regulatory approval process that is necessary before the $2.2 billion acquisition of NorthWestern can be completed. The transaction, which is also subject to NorthWestern shareholder approval, is expected to close in 2007. Upon closing NorthWestern's common stock will cease to be publicly traded, and the NorthWestern will become a locally managed subsidiary of BBI.