Target Information

Suma Capital has successfully closed a €250 million continuity fund aimed at accelerating the growth of Grupo Gestcompost, a leading platform in the biogas and biomethane sector in Spain. Founded in 2003 by Joan Antoni Solans, Grupo Gestcompost has established itself as the reference company in the country for the treatment and valorization of organic waste, producing biogas, biomethane, and organic fertilizers. The organization manages industrial waste from key sectors including paper production, wastewater treatment, and the transformation of animal and agricultural by-products.

Since Suma Capital's investment in 2020, Grupo Gestcompost, headquartered in Zaragoza, has tripled its EBITDA and quadrupled its workforce, while also opening new facilities in Lleida and Belinchón in Castilla-La Mancha. The company has strengthened its market presence through the construction and acquisition of new treatment plants, talent attraction, and a favorable regulatory environment promoting organic waste treatment. Prior to these advancements, much of this waste was either sent to landfills or applied to agricultural land indiscriminately, resulting in detrimental impacts on the subsoil.

Industry Overview in Spain

The biogas and biomethane industry in Spain is witnessing significant growth, driven by increased awareness of sustainability and environmental concerns. The landscape is being shaped by stringent regulations aimed at promoting waste recycling and renewable energy sources. Government initiatives to transition towards a circular economy are further propelling investments in waste management and treatment technologies.

Spain has made significant strides in establishing a regulatory framework that incentivizes the development of renewable energy sources, particularly biogas and biomethane. This framework supports numerous projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering the recovery of valuable waste materials.

The demand for sustainable solutions, coupled with innovative technologies in waste management, has positioned Spain as a burgeoning hub for the biogas sector in Europe. Companies like Grupo Gestcompost are at the forefront of this evolution, leveraging their expertise to meet growing market demands while addressing the pressing issue of waste disposal and recycling.

As a result of these market dynamics, there are increasing opportunities for businesses involved in organic waste treatment to thrive. The potential for growth in biomethane production aligns with European energy objectives, including the commitment to decarbonization and energy security.

Rationale Behind the Deal

The capital raised for Grupo Gestcompost will facilitate the acceleration of strategic projects focused on developing and constructing new biogas plants over the coming years. This initiative aims to foster a more sustainable energy model aligned with global efforts to combat climate change. With increasing legislation and public sentiment favoring green projects, Grupo Gestcompost is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends.

Investor Information

The continuity fund has attracted premier institutional international investors, led by Partners Group, one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry. Other committed investors include Mercer, BlueEarth, Altamar, and Unigestion, all of whom are focused on supporting impactful projects that address climate change and encourage the development of clean infrastructure. Classified as Article 9 under the EU’s SFDR regulation, the fund guarantees that its investments promote sustainability and directly contribute to the decarbonization of the economy.

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This transaction represents the largest of its kind led by Suma Capital, aligning fully with its strategy to support companies and projects that advance the energy transition and circular economy. With €1.2 billion in assets under management and nearly 20 years of experience, Suma Capital continues to solidify its status as a prominent independent manager of impact investments. The investment is expected to yield significant returns, grounded in the increasing global emphasis on sustainability.

Antoni Macià, a partner at Suma Capital, remarked on the pride of launching a new investment vehicle that not only supports the growth of Grupo Gestcompost but also reinforces their commitment to Spain’s economic decarbonization. The fund is a testament to Suma Capital’s dedication to making a positive impact while achieving financial returns.

Joan Antoni Solans, the founder of Grupo Gestcompost, emphasized that the capital injection will enable the development of new biogas plants in the coming years, with a focus on transforming waste into valuable resources and energy. By enhancing their operational capabilities, Grupo Gestcompost aims to reaffirm its leadership in the sector.

Dr. Dmitriy Antropov, Infrastructure Investments Director at Partners Group, noted that Gestcompost possesses a competitive advantage due to its extensive experience in the waste treatment sector and access to high-quality raw materials. There is significant growth potential for the company to leverage its market leadership and vast asset base to expand biomethane production.

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