#Brazil #São Paulo #La Caisse #GEB #Verene Energia

La Caisse and Grupo Energía Bogotá Unite for Brazil's Power Future

In a landmark move for the Latin American energy sector, global investment firm La Caisse and Grupo Energía Bogotá (GEB) have finalized their partnership to establish a new jointly controlled power transmission platform in Brazil, named Verene Energia S.A. This collaboration signals a substantial leap forward in Brazil's energy infrastructure, creating the country's fifth-largest power transmission platform.

Combined Strength: A New Era in Power Transmission

The joint venture operates on a 50/50 ownership basis, pooling together their respective transmission assets into a powerful new entity. Collectively, the partnership will manage over 9,000 kilometers of transmission lines across 26 electric transmission concession agreements, involving a workforce of more than 400 employees and spanning 17 Brazilian states. This newly minted platform is poised to become a dominant player in Brazil's energy landscape, emphasizing the importance of robust infrastructure for the nation’s energy goals.

Juan Ricardo Ortega, President of GEB, expressed the significance of this partnership in advancing Brazil's energy aspirations. He stated, "This alliance is a pivotal moment in our growth strategy for Brazil. By combining our strengths, we aim to enhance our transmission energy infrastructure and facilitate Brazil's transition to sustainable energy. Our stakeholders will benefit from this collaboration, generating value and driving economic growth."

Likewise, Emmanuel Jaclot, Executive Vice-President of La Caisse, acknowledged the complementary nature of both organizations' assets and experience. He highlighted the rich heritage of GEB, which boasts over 130 years in the energy sector, marking it as one of Latin America's leading infrastructure groups. Jaclot emphasized their shared vision for expanding Verene's reach within Brazil through strategic acquisitions and sustained support for energy transition initiatives.

A Commitment to Modernization and Expansion

Verene is not just about managing existing assets; it's also about fostering disciplined growth. The platform is positioned to pursue opportunities that align with Brazil's grid modernization and decarbonization objectives. This includes optimizing current networks and exploring potential acquisitions to strengthen their infrastructure even further. GEB's extensive experience combined with La Caisse's financial acumen sets a solid foundation for these efforts.

The financial closure of the deal is anticipated by the fourth quarter of 2026, pending standard closing conditions and necessary approvals. The strategic backing of experienced advisors further bolsters each entity's operational readiness for this venture. La Caisse received guidance from BTG Pactual as its financial advisor and Pinheiro Neto Advogados for legal counsel, while Citibank and Mayer Brown provided similar services to GEB.

The Bigger Picture: Energy for Development

This strategic alliance between La Caisse and Grupo Energía Bogotá represents more than just a financial venture; it’s a commitment to the sustainable and efficient production of energy in Brazil. Both organizations bring years of expertise and a vision that resonates with Brazil's broader energy transition goals.

Grupo Energía Bogotá has long played an essential role in the energy sector, contributing significantly to Latin America's infrastructure development for over a century. With a diversified portfolio that encompasses electricity generation, transmission, and gas distribution, GEB is well-positioned to lead in this new partnership.

Similarly, La Caisse’s investment strategy aims to achieve long-term returns while supporting economic development in Quebec and beyond. Their commitment to infrastructure and sustainable investments is reflected in this partnership with GEB, aligning both firms' interests in prioritizing eco-friendly energy solutions.

As Brazil embarks on this transformative journey, the establishment of Verene Energia S.A. symbolizes a bold step towards meeting the country's future energy demands. The collaboration between La Caisse and Grupo Energía Bogotá is a powerful reminder of the potential held in partnerships destined to advance infrastructure and promote a greener future.