Apex Energies Secures €350 Million for Solar Projects
Deal News | Feb 28, 2025 | Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
The global law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP (BCLP) has played a pivotal role in advising a syndicate of financial institutions involved in the structuration of a significant €350 million financing package. This package is directed towards Apex Energies, a French renewable energy producer owned by Macquarie Asset Management. The financing is underpinned by a consortium of senior lenders, including Caisse d'Épargne Île-de-France as the senior Mandated Lead Arranger (MLA) and Crédit Agricole Transitions & Énergies, as well as other contributors like Bpifrance and Crédit Agricole du Languedoc. The funds are earmarked to support the development of approximately 1,100 solar power plants, encompassing shaded, rooftop, and ground-mounted configurations, which together aim to deliver a total capacity of 400MWp. This venture marks the most substantial financing endeavor by Apex Energies to date, centered around reinforcing solar energy infrastructure. The BCLP legal team leading the advisory was captained by Partner and Global Co-Head of Energy Transition David Blondel, incorporating the expertise of several other associates specializing in financing and project aspects. This transaction reflects both a robust commitment to fostering renewable energy projects and a growing investment momentum in solar energy within France.
Sectors
- Renewable Energy
- Financial Services
- Legal Services
Geography
- France – The financing is for the construction and development of solar power projects in France, underscoring the geographical focus of the investment and legal advisory process.
Industry
- Renewable Energy – The article discusses the financing for Apex Energies, a renewable energy producer, indicating its involvement and investment in solar energy projects.
- Financial Services – The involvement of a banking pool including Caisse d'Épargne and Crédit Agricole underscores the significance of financial institutions in arranging and facilitating major financing deals for renewable energy projects.
- Legal Services – Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, a law firm, played a critical role in advising on the financing aspects of the deal, providing legal services pertinent to structured finance and energy projects.
Financials
- €350 million – The total financing amount arranged for Apex Energies to support the construction of approximately 1,100 solar power plants.
- 400MWp – The total capacity aimed for the solar power projects to be constructed with the financing.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Energies | Target Company | Company | A French renewable energy producer owned by Macquarie Asset Management, engaging in the development of solar power plants. |
| Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | An international law firm advising the banking pool on the financing arrangement for Apex Energies. |
| Caisse d'Épargne Île-de-France | Senior Mandated Lead Arranger | Company | A member of the banking pool, acting as the senior MLA in the €350 million financing for Apex Energies. |
| Crédit Agricole Transitions & Énergies | Mandated Lead Arranger | Company | Part of the banking pool, involved in arranging the financing for the solar energy project by Apex Energies. |
| Macquarie Asset Management | Owner | Company | Owner of Apex Energies, a significant stakeholder in the transaction aimed at expanding solar energy infrastructure. |