Crédit Agricole Private Equity mandates StormHarbour Securities to raise financing for Capenergie II, a fund dedicated to renewable energies in France and the rest of Europe

Crédit Agricole Private Equity has given StormHarbour Securities a mandate to complete the fund-raising for the Capenergie II FCPR, its second private equity investment fund dedicated to renewable energies in France and the rest of Europe.

Capenergie II’s investment strategy stands out through its unique approach combining an expansion capital-type return with infrastructure-type risk. The fund invests in fast-growing SMEs in the renewable energies sector and in the infrastructure projects that these SMEs develop or build.

In spite of recent regulatory changes, the segment continues to ride high on the back of highly favourable fundamental trends. For example, the goal of lifting the contribution made by green energies to 20% of the European energy mix requires investment of €75 billion p.a. out to 2020 according to the European Union. Furthermore, the steady decline in production costs is increasing the competitiveness of the segment and reducing its reliance on subsidies.

Serge Savasta, manager of the Capenergie fund, commented: “This shift in the green energy market towards greater competitiveness is throwing up opportunities for SMEs with flexible financing capabilities. Capenergie II supports them by providing equity investment solutions well-suited to the development of their infrastructure projects.”

Capenergie II held an interim closing on €120.5 million in May 2011 and has already committed more than €40 million to five investments. It is the successor to Capenergie I, the first French institutional fund dedicated to renewable energies, which was launched in 2006. Over five years, Capenergie I invested close to €100 million in 16 businesses and infrastructure projects in France and the rest of Europe.

StormHarbour will provide Capenergie II with the benefit of its in-depth knowledge of the sector and its network of investors. Patrick Swiderski, joint head of the infrastructure business in Europe, said: “We believe that Capenergie II’s investment strategy, which combines expansion capital and infrastructure, offers the prospect of unique resilience to market uncertainties, together with an attractive risk-reward ratio for investors. We are delighted to support this team as it breaks new ground in investment in renewable energies and look forward to presenting this fund to our investors.”