Kallista Energy, the growing French wind farm operator 100% owned by AXA Private Equity, the leading European diversified private equity firm, today announced the acquisition of the wind farm assets of Neoelectra Group in Brittany.
This deal strengthens Kallista Energy’s position in the French renewable energy market and underlines the continued support of AXA Private Equity for its industrial partner. This acquisition increases the number of wind farms operated by Kallista Energy in France from 15 to 19 and its installed capacity to 194.5 MW. The addition of the Neoelectra Group assets gives the group a presence in Brittany, which is one of the French regions with the greatest wind farm potential. With a significant presence in Aisne/Picardy, Beauce and Seine Maritime, Kallista Energy will soon cross the symbolic 200 MW mark of wind farms in operation with the upcoming construction of the Ardouval wind farm.
Frédéric Roche, Kallista Energy CEO, said:
‘The Haut Corlay, Lanfains, Trebry and Plouyé wind farms are ideally situated. Their inclusion in our portfolio fits perfectly with our strategy of wind diversification. This is the first stage of our ambitious growth plan, which aims to consolidate our leading position in France and to make us one of the key European players in the renewable energy sector. The dynamism and expertise of AXA Private Equity combined with the highly skilled teams at Kallista Energy, enables us to contemplate our company’s growth with great optimism. With AXA Private Equity, Kallista Energy aims to demonstrate on a day-to-day basis that the implementation of rigorous and socially responsible investment principles is vital for the local and harmonious integration of its wind operations.’
The transaction was completed with the support of AXA Private Equity’s infrastructure teams.
Mathias Burghardt, Head of Infrastructure at AXA Private Equity, commented;
‘We take great satisfaction in taking part in a new stage of Kallista’s growth, which will help strengthen its positions on the renewable energy market in France. The deal further demonstrates AXA Private Equity’s continued ability to establish cooperative relations with its industrial partners.’
About Kallista Energy
Kallista Energy is one of the leading French wind farm companies. Kallista Energy is a member of France Energie Eolienne and the Syndicat des Energies Renouvelables.
About AXA Private Equity
AXA Private Equity is a leading private equity firm with US$25 billion in managed assets and a global reach extending across Europe, North America and Asia. The firm offers investors the full spectrum of private equity services for every market segment: direct funds, infrastructure financing, mid cap and small cap buyouts, venture capital, co-investments, fund of funds as well as mezzanine financing.
With offices in Paris, Frankfurt, London, New York, Singapore, Milan, Zurich and Vienna, AXA Private Equity supports the development and long-term growth of its portfolio companies with sustainable growth strategies and by granting them access to the AXA international network. AXA Private Equity has earned the trust of its investors by regularly supplying them with transparent performance data on its funds and portfolio companies.
AXA Private Equity, Global Investments the European way
www.axaprivateequity.com
Advisors involved in the transaction
Legal adviser:
Kallista Energy: CGR Legal – Me Trognon-Dumain
Neoelectra Group: Freshfields Bruckhaus LLP – Me Pellet, Me Flandin, Me Paradin
Financial adviser:
Neoelectra Group: Natixis Finance – Mr Emmanuel Antmann
Accounting/tax advisers:
Kallista Energy: Linklaters Me Chapellier / /Exco A2A M. Franck Huyghe
Press Contacts
AXA Private Equity
HeadLand Consultancy
Ben Girdlestone
Tél. : +44 (0)20 7367 5243
bgirdlestone@headlandconsultancy.co.uk
Daniel Kahn
Tél. : +44(0)20 7367 5247
dkahn@headlandconsultancy.co.uk
Kallista
Frédéric Roche CEO, Kallista Energy
Tél. : +33 (1) 58 22 18 80
froche@kallistaenergy.com