April 3, 2023
DIF Capital Partners agrees to acquire majority interest in US-based solar platform GS Power Partners
DIF Capital Partners is pleased to announce that it has agreed to acquire a majority equity interest in US-based GS Power Partners (“Green Street”), a leading developer, financier, owner, and operator of distributed generation solar projects for various private and public clients across the US. DIF’s investment will be executed through its DIF Infrastructure VII fund.
Since its inception in 2014, Green Street has experienced rapid year-over-year growth driven by its experienced executive management team and extensive network of industry relationships. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Green Street has developed a 300+ MW portfolio of operational and under-construction projects throughout the country.
Green Street has over 2 GW of solar projects in its pipeline in both existing and new markets, which it will look to execute over the near-to medium-term. Green Street is well positioned to accomplish its development goals, utilizing its vertically integrated capabilities across development, legal, project financing, engineering, and project and asset management functions.
In addition to existing and upcoming renewable energy goals, execution of the growing development pipeline is further supported by the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, providing a long-term runway of supportive renewable energy legislation long awaited by developers, sponsors, and market participants alike.
In 2023, Green Street’s projects nationwide will produce over 275 million kWh of energy, displacing over 200 thousand tons of CO2.
The transaction is subject to customary conditions and approvals and is expected to close in early Q2 2023.
“Green Street is very excited to be partnering with DIF. As a leader in distributed generation in the US, the partnership will enable Green Street to continue its growth efforts and execute on its 2 gigawatts and growing of pipeline,” said Jason Kuflik, President of Green Street. “We are excited about what we will be able to accomplish together. As a leading global infrastructure fund, we could not have picked a better partner.”
Green Street was advised by Scotiabank and its legal counsel Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in connection with this transaction.
“The partnership with Green Street will further grow DIF’s North American renewable portfolio and marks our first distributed solar generation platform in the North American market”, said Gijs Voskuyl, Partner and Head of Infrastructure at DIF Capital Partners . “DIF is excited to work with the Green Street team to continue developing and operating distributed solar projects across the US to further advance the global clean energy transition, one of DIF’s responsibilities as a leading infrastructure investor. Supported by strong thematic tailwinds in the US, we see this as an excellent opportunity to support a strong team in their goals to become a leading distributed generation developer and asset owner.”
DIF was advised by Macquarie Capital and its legal counsel Stoel Rives LLP in connection with this transaction.
About DIF Capital Partners
DIF Capital Partners is an infrastructure fund manager with more than EUR 17 billion of assets under management. DIF was founded in 2005 and has a leading position in managing mid-market investments, primarily in Europe and North America.
DIF follows two strategies: its traditional DIF funds invest in infrastructure projects and companies in the energy transition (incl. renewables) and utilities sector, as well as concessions. The firm’s CIF funds invest in companies with strong growth potential that are active in infrastructure sectors such as digital infrastructure, energy transition and sustainable transportation.
With a team of over 240 professionals in 12 offices, DIF offers a unique market approach combining global presence with the benefits of strong local networks and investment capabilities. DIF is located in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney and Toronto.
In September 2023, CVC, a leading global private markets manager, announced that it would be acquiring a majority stake in DIF Capital Partners. Closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected in Q2 2024.
About GS Power Partners
GS Power Partners, a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP), acquires, develops, finances and owns distributed generation (DG) commercial and industrial (C+I) and community solar projects. Since the company's founding in 2015, GS Power Partners has been fully focused on project development in the DG solar sector.
Backed by CVC DIF, a global investment firm with almost $20 billion in assets under managements, the company maintains a portfolio of 300+ megawatts of solar assets, mainly concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest. GS Power Partners advances the clean energy transition through responsible investments and long-term partnerships.
For more information, please visit www.gspowerpartners.com