Swiss Life Asset Managers has bought clean energy infrastructure fund manager Fontavis for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 2011, Fontavis manages three funds with capital commitments totalling over CHF1bn (€907.3m).

Fontavis manages the UBS Clean Energy Infrastructure Switzerland, UBS Clean Energy Infrastructure Switzerland 2 and the Fontavis SICAV-RAIF Renewable Infrastructure Fund Europe (FORTE) funds. The funds are invested in 24 companies and projects across seven countries.

Swiss Life said it has acquired the manager and is making a capital commitment of CHF100m into the FORTE fund as a co-investor.

Michael Klose, CEO third-party asset management at Swiss Life Asset Managers, said: “The acquisition is another significant element contributing to our successful growth strategy in third-party asset management, and at the same time strengthens our position in the infrastructure market.”

Besides financial aspects, investors are paying more attention to sustainability criteria and are keen to include such investment products in their portfolios, Klose said, adding that renewables and efficient use of energy offer especially attractive investment opportunities.

“Fontavis will help us with the continuing expansion of our product portfolio, giving institutional investors easy access to infrastructure investment solutions in the growth market of sustainable energy production, energy efficiency and energy infrastructure,” Klose said.

Siss Life said the founding members of Fontavis will remain with the company over the long term.

Thomas Schmid, Christoph Gisler and Beat Huber, the founding members of Fontavis said: “We share the same corporate philosophy and Swiss values as our new owner Swiss Life Asset Managers.

”We now have a long-term and strong partner that will enable Fontavis to broaden its investment scope and improve its performance for our clients.”

 

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