Westbridge: Transforming the Energy Landscape with Permira's Support
Deal News | Jan 02, 2025 | Finance Community IT - 3 Private Equity
Permira, a global private equity firm, has announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Westbridge Advisory, a European firm specializing in energy and sustainability consultancy for institutional real estate clients. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Westbridge has offices in London, Warsaw, and Zurich and serves over 600 clients. The company offers comprehensive services including energy procurement, green building certifications, ESG data management, and sustainability consultancy. Formerly owned by its founders and GENUI, the latter will exit entirely from the business, while the founders will reinvest alongside Permira's funds. This acquisition aligns with Permira's climate-focused investment strategy and aims to support Westbridge's organic and acquisitive growth, particularly for international expansion. The deal, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close by Q1 2025. Westbridge plans to continue its successful trajectory in the real estate sector, propelled by the increasing demand for green energy solutions and compliance with Social Responsibility and ESG standards. Permira's Florian Kreuzer and Westbridge CEO Yama Mahasher both expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the opportunity to grow a European leader in the energy consultancy sector.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Energy Consultancy
- Real Estate
Geography
- Germany – Westbridge Advisory is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, indicating significant operations within the region.
- DACH Region – Permira’s interest and statements reflect their strategic focus on the DACH region, which includes Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Industry
- Private Equity – The article discusses Permira, a private equity firm, acquiring a stake in another company, demonstrating typical PE activity.
- Energy Consultancy – Westbridge Advisory specializes in energy and sustainability consultancy, making it a significant player in the energy consultancy industry.
- Real Estate – Westbridge's primary clientele is institutional real estate clients, underlining its relevance in the real estate sector.
Financials
- Sevenfold Revenue Increase – Westbridge's revenue has increased seven times under GENUI's ownership.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permira | Bidding Company | Company | A global private equity firm acquiring a majority stake in Westbridge Advisory. |
| Westbridge Advisory | Target Company | Company | A European energy and sustainability consultancy firm serving over 600 institutional real estate clients. |
| GENUI | Selling Company | Company | An investor that is fully exiting its business interest in Westbridge Advisory. |
| Yama Mahasher | CEO | Person | CEO of Westbridge Advisory, involved in leading the company’s strategic direction alongside Permira. |
| Florian Kreuzer | Head of DACH | Person | Part of Permira's leadership, focusing on the DACH region and involved in the Westbridge transaction. |
| David Brckmann | Managing Director, Service Sector | Person | Permira Managing Director involved in the strategic focus of their service sector investments. |
| Max Odefey | GENUI Representative | Person | Associated with GENUI, supporting Westbridge under GENUI's leadership and commenting on its growth. |