Statkraft, the Norwegian energy company, has announced plans to seek investors for its EV charging infrastructure subsidiary, Mer. The move comes as part of Statkraft’s efforts to expand its presence in the growing market for carbon-free transportation solutions. However, Statkraft has also made it clear that it intends to retain a controlling stake in the company, with the majority of shares remaining in its hands.
To facilitate the process, Statkraft has enlisted the services of financial advisors Carnegie and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken. While a partial sale of the company has not yet been confirmed, Statkraft is exploring all options for Mer’s future growth.
Mer was founded in 2009 under the name Gronn Kontakt, which was later changed to Mer in 2020. The company has since grown rapidly, expanding its market presence across five European countries, including Norway, Sweden, Germany, the UK, and Austria. Mer’s growth has been driven in part by a series of targeted acquisitions, including Statkraft’s purchase of E-Wald in 2019, which was later renamed Mer Solutions GmbH in 2021.
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Mer’s expansion plans include the development of a comprehensive public charging network, as well as smart charging solutions for commercial fleets, housing cooperatives, and businesses. The company’s entry into the German market via acquisition has also positioned it to take a leading role in the country’s growing EV charging infrastructure.
According to Jürgen Tzschoppe, Executive Vice President for New Energy Solutions in Statkraft, inviting more shareholders to join Mer alongside Statkraft will enable the company to accelerate its expansion plans even further. “We have just started this process and will take the necessary time to find the best possible ownership structure for Mer,” Tzschoppe said.
As the demand for carbon-free transportation solutions continues to grow, companies like Statkraft and Mer are well-positioned to take advantage of this trend. With a strong focus on innovation and growth, Mer’s future looks bright, and the company’s expansion plans are sure to attract the interest of investors looking for sustainable investment opportunities.
