Gimv and SRIW together invest EUR 40 million in green energy supplier Lampiris. This capital will be used by Lampiris not only to strengthen its balance sheet and finance future growth, but also to achieve its ambition to become the leading independent supplier of gas and green electricity in Belgium.
Lampiris was created in 2003 by Bruno and Bruno Vanderschueren Venanzi. Today the company has over 770,000 connections (used by individuals, businesses and the public sector) or it provides gas or green electricity. The company focuses most of its activities in Belgium. In 2011, however, the company obtained a license for the supply of gas on the French territory. Since then, it also offers a full supply of energy (gas and electricity). Lampiris currently employs more than 170 people. With a market share of 9% for gas and 6.5% for electricity, Lampiris is the third energy supplier in Belgium, but records every year growth figures higher market (source: CREG, VREG CWAPE), and since its launch in 2005. In 2012, Lampiris achieved a turnover of 695 million euros, an increase of 82% compared to 2011. During the same period, the number of connections increased by 55% to 655,034 units. To finance its expansion and can quickly take advantage of any opportunities coming up in the energy market, the company decided to attract new capital.
Lampiris owes its success to the new look and without bias as it relates to energy market with one hand, a green positioning and highly competitive rates and, secondly, a trade policy based on the innovation, quality of service and respect for the consumer. Lampiris has been the first vendor to decouple the gas price of oil index, the first to remove the severance payments, the first to lower its prices when the debate raged on the legality of price increases, but also the first to apply the same conditions for its old and new customers. All of which have subsequently been imposed by the authorities responsible for energy policy and consumer protection.
“We are very pleased to welcome Gimv and SRIW in our capital. Both companies fully meet our expectations in this type of partnership. They have a local presence and extensive expertise in assisting growth companies in Belgium. In addition, they are familiar with the energy and respect our desire to remain independent. Finally, they also showed that they had a vision and investment strategy focused on the long term. In 2011, we worked with Gimv and SRIW on the proposed takeover of the Belgian activities of Nuon. “We were very pleased with this collaboration, even if the transaction does not take place” explains Bruno and Bruno Venanzi Vanderschueren founders Lampiris.
And Dirk Thomas and Dewals Dewever Gimv continues: “This transaction fits perfectly within our platform strategy Sustainable Cities. A few years ago, the management team Lampiris decided to seize opportunities created by the liberalization of the energy market, demonstrating a beautiful entrepreneurship. The impressive growth achieved by the company since then shows how his vision and strategy were good. Lampiris has meanwhile installed 280,000 connections in Flanders. We are pleased to participate through the Gimv-XL fund, capital of one of the most successful Belgian energy market companies and thus help management achieve its growth ambitions. “
“Initially, Lampiris was a small company, active in the Walloon energy market. In less than ten years, we have seen this dynamic company to expand to become a major player on the Belgian market. Today we are pleased to contribute to the further development of the company. Coming strengthen its capital, we offer the company the opportunity to maximize the numerous opportunities that arise in a rapidly changing market. This participation is perfectly within our strategy to support companies with high growth potential, “says Olivier Vanderijst, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the SRIW.
source : www.zonebourse.com
