Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Colam Invest, the long term investments branch of Colam Entreprendre, on its acquisition of a 30% interest in the capital of Akuo Energy SAS. Akuo Energy SAS is the leading French independent renewable energy power producer in developing, financing, building and operating renewable energy power plants all over the world. The transaction was completed on 15 November 2017.

Colam Entreprendre is a private family-owned company and the founding shareholder of Sonepar, the world’s number one B2B distributor of electrical products, solutions and related services. Their investment will allow Akuo Energy to increase its capital and invest in new electric production facilities.

Anne Lapierre, head of energy in Paris, commented:

“We are proud to have advised Colam on their investment into one of the world’s main actors in renewable energies. We strongly believe that this partnership will create great synergies and foster the development of new renewable energy plants in France and abroad.”

The Norton Rose Fulbright team was led by Anne Lapierre with support from associate Aude d’Argentré. The team was further assisted by of counsel Tim Baines, who advised on the project and corporate aspects of on the acquisition. Partner Antoine Colonna and associates Chloë Mockel and Mathieu Jung advised on the tax aspects. Of counsel, Véronique Bruel advised on the financing package for Akuo Energy. Partner Laure Joncour and associates Elodie Grangier and François Guillon advised on employment law aspects.