Mirova, a unit of Natixis Global Asset Management dedicated to responsible investing, has started exclusive talks to buy a majority equity stake in Luxembourg -based impact investment manager Althelia Ecosphere.
The deal would lead to the creation of a European platform dedicated to natural capital investing, Mirova said.
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The platform would operate from London and Paris, funding activities that address global issues such as climate change, protection of landscapes, biodiversity, soil and marine resources.
The deal is anticipated to close within the next few weeks, following which Althelia’s management partners would retain a substantial equity portion of the firm.
Mirova’s stake in the impact investment manager would gradually be raised in the next five years through a progressive withdrawal mechanism.
Mirova CEO Philippe Zaouati said: “We are pleased to partner with Althelia and have tremendous respect for the experience and talent of the team. We strongly believe that natural capital is the next frontier of impact investment and both specialist skills and a critical size are required to successfully address this nascent but promising market.”
