Ardian Infrastructure Fund V has acquired EWE AG, a leading utility provider in Germany, to enhance its portfolio in the energy and telecommunications sectors.

Target Overview: EWE AG

EWE AG, headquartered in Oldenburg, Germany, is a leading provider in the energy, telecommunications, and information technology sectors. Employing over 8,500 individuals, EWE generated approximately EUR 5.7 billion in revenue in 2018. This company is primarily owned by the local government and serves around 1.4 million electricity customers and 0.8 million natural gas customers across northwest Germany, Brandenburg, the island of Rügen, and parts of Poland. Additionally, EWE offers telecommunications services to approximately 0.7 million customers.

Operating a vast infrastructure, the EWE Group manages over 190,000 kilometers of electricity grids, natural gas grids, and telecommunications networks. EWE has plans to invest more than EUR 1.2 billion in a significant fiber-optic expansion over the next few years, aimed at enhancing the digital capabilities of northwest Germany.

Industry Overview in Germany

The utility sector in Germany is characterized by a strong commitment to renewable energy and innovation. With a unique energy transition strategy known as the "Energiewende," the country has set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissio