As major solar playar in France, GENERALE DU SOLAIRE’s Group is oppening up its capital with a first fundraising campaign subscribed by Bpifrance, via its France Investissement Energie Environnement (FIEE) fund, and Irdi Soridec Gestion.
GENERALE DU SOLAIRE’s development plan displays an ambition that matches its many successes so far: in France first of all, with a significant number of winning projects during the latest calls for tenders from the “Commission de Régulation de l ‘Energy” (CRE), but also worldwide with a dedicated subsidiary (GDS INTERNATIONAL) and an important pipeline of secured projects in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
In order to accelerate its development, particularly internationally, GENERALE DU SOLAIRE wished to have the support of Bpifrance (via its fund dedicated to energy and the environment) and Irdi Soridec Gestion, who took a minority shareholding in the capital of HOLDING DU SOLAIRE (whose scope includes GENERALE DU SOLAIRE, GDS INTERNATIONAL and the Group’s portfolio of new power plants).
Daniel Bour, President of Groupe Générale du Solaire adds:
“As part of the Group’s strategic plan, in 2019 we launched discussions with Bpifrance, for a minority stake. Bpifrance is a financial player, very much in demand today in the crisis we are going through, but it is also a recognized and respected player in the Renewable Energies sector. They are supported by Irdi Soridec, who is a major financial player in the Montpellier area, where we have most of our operational teams. The arrival of these two players in GENERALE DU SOLAIRE’s capital is a strategic choice that will allow us to accelerate our development, especially abroad. We are very happy to welcome them as partners for this new stage in our development. ”
Aurélien Hue, Director of investments at Bpifrance, states:
“This operation is at the core of the FIEE fund strategy and marks our commitment to support the development of an independent player in the photovoltaic market. Daniel Bour has a precise and ambitious strategic vision to accelerate the growth of the company, both in France and abroad. We are delighted to support an actor like GENERALE DU SOLAIRE, recognized for its know-how and the quality of its teams. ”
Eric Candelier, Investment Director at Irdi Soridec Gestion, adds : “
“We are proud to support the development of this group and its teams. Established largely near Montpellier and having numerous projects in the Occitanie region, this equity support takes on its full meaning in the context of the energy transition of France (and of the Occitanie region which aims to become the first European region with positive energy in 2050). ”
About Bpifrance and the FIEE fund
Bpifrance’s equity investments are operated by Bpifrance Investissement. Bpifrance, owned by the French government and the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, finances companies – at each stage of their development – with credit, guarantees and equity. Bpifrance supports them in their innovation projects and internationally. Bpifrance also ensures their export activity through a wide range of products. Consulting, university, networking and acceleration program for startups, SMEs and mid-caps are also part of the offer for entrepreneurs.
Thanks to Bpifrance and its 50 regional offices, entrepreneurs benefit from a close, unique and efficient contact to help them face their challenges. More information on: www.Bpifrance.fr – Follow us on Twitter: @Bpifrance – @BpifrancePresse
About Irdi Soridec Gestion
Based in Toulouse, Montpellier and Bordeaux, Irdi Soridec Gestion provides capital support to companies based in the large south-west quarter (Occitanie and Nouvelle Aquitaine) at all stages of their development (seed, venture capital, development capital / transmission) . With € 340 million under management, Irdi Soridec Gestion has the capacity to monitor investments from € 0.3 million up to € 12 million. Through managed funds, Irdi Soridec Gestion is a partner of nearly 180 SMEs and mid-caps in numerous sectors of activity.
More information on: www.irdisoridec.fr
Since 2008 GENERALE DU SOLAIRE supports professionals: as well public bodies as private investors in their solar power plant projects, thus actively participating in the energy transition
Tell us about your project, our experts will accompany you for making it happen