CVC DIF Acquires 49% Stake in BALANCE Erneuerbare Energien
Deal News | Apr 07, 2025 | White & Case
White & Case LLP has advised CVC DIF on acquiring a 49% stake in BALANCE Erneuerbare Energien, the biogas entity belonging to VNG AG. This strategic investment is facilitated through the DIF Infrastructure VII fund and aims at bolstering the growth of BALANCE to become the top biogas platform in Germany. BALANCE, known for operating 42 biogas plants across Northern and Eastern Germany, is a significant player in supplying green energy to over 180,000 households. CVC DIF, a mid-market infrastructure fund manager headquartered in Amsterdam, manages around 19 billion in assets with a focus on energy transition, transport, utilities, and digitalisation. The fruition of the deal awaits antitrust authority approvals. The advising team from White & Case comprised partners and associates from Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Berlin offices.
Sectors
- Infrastructure Investment
- Renewable Energy
- Legal Services
Geography
- Germany – The focus is on BALANCE Erneuerbare Energien, a German company operating biogas facilities in Germany.
- Netherlands – CVC DIF is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, making it a relevant geographic focus.
Industry
- Infrastructure Investment – The article discusses the acquisition by CVC DIF, highlighting infrastructure investment focused on energy transition, transport, utilities, and digitalisation.
- Renewable Energy – BALANCE Erneuerbare Energien's role as a biogas plant operator underscores the renewable energy sector's involvement in the transaction.
- Legal Services – The role of White & Case LLP as advisors plays a crucial part in the legal services industry.
Financials
- 49% – The stake acquired by CVC DIF in BALANCE Erneuerbare Energien.
- 19 billion – The total infrastructure assets under management by CVC DIF.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| BALANCE Erneuerbare Energien | Target Company | Company | A leading biogas subsidiary of VNG AG, operating 42 biogas plants in Germany. |
| VNG AG | Selling Company | Company | The Leipzig-based gas group whose subsidiary, BALANCE, is the target for acquisition. |
| CVC DIF | Bidding Company | Company | A global mid-market infrastructure equity fund manager investing in BALANCE through its DIF Infrastructure VII fund. |
| White & Case LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | The global law firm advising CVC DIF on the acquisition transaction. |