Innergex Renewable Energy and Equity Group Holdings have both made significant moves to expand their portfolios and reach new heights in the renewable energy and banking sectors.
Innergex Renewable Energy recently completed the sale of a minority stake in its renewables portfolio in France to Credit Agricole Assurance for EUR 129.5 million [800f0b40]. The portfolio includes 17 operational wind power assets and storage capacity, as well as projects in development. This strategic partnership will not only provide Innergex with the necessary funds to reduce its credit facilities and finance future development but also support ongoing projects and contribute to Credit Agricole Assurance's goal of reaching a 14 GW installed capacity by 2025 [800f0b40].
Equity Group Holdings, on the other hand, has successfully acquired Rwandan bank Compagnie Générale de Banque (Cogebanque) Plc, with Equity now holding 99.1250% of Cogebanque's issued share capital. The KSh 7.2 billion deal was completed on November 30, 2023, following regulatory and corporate approvals [ec2c830d]. Equity aims to provide enhanced financial services and expand opportunities for wealth creation in Rwanda. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Equity Group Holdings as it strengthens its presence in Rwanda and reinforces its commitment to driving economic growth and financial inclusion in the region.
Equity Group plans to buy more banks and merge with others in five East African markets to deepen financial inclusion and grow customer numbers fivefold [ec2c830d]. The recent acquisition of Cogebanque in Rwanda is part of Equity's strategy to rival major pan-African financial corporations. The transaction was valued at $48.1 million. Equity aims to attain 100 million customers by 2030. The bank's plan for more buyouts and mergers will support its $4.6 billion socioeconomic recovery plan in markets affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Equity currently operates in six markets and has a representative office in Ethiopia. The bank's subsidiaries in Rwanda and the DRC have shown strong performance, with high returns on equity and efficient cost-to-income ratios. Equity suspended expansion into other African markets in 2020 due to macroeconomic instability. Instead, the bank is focusing on consolidating and strengthening its businesses in existing countries of operation. Equity has transformed into a strong systemic retail bank across the region, with its subsidiaries contributing 50 percent of the group's overall revenues. The bank is optimistic about achieving its target of 100 million customers before 2030.
Both Innergex Renewable Energy and Equity Group Holdings are demonstrating the power of expansion and strategic partnerships in their respective industries. By leveraging their expertise, resources, and networks, they are poised to make a lasting impact on the renewable energy and banking sectors, driving innovation, sustainability, and economic development.
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