German electric charge point operator EZE secures Arcus backing

Arcus Infrastructure Partners has invested in a German electric vehicle (EV) charge point operator on behalf of its third fund.

The manager said the investment in EZE network represents the fifth investment and first in the transport sector for Arcus European Infrastructure Fund 3 (AEIF3), which recently raised €1.61bn at its close.

As part of the transaction, EZE’s existing shareholders including DeepTech & Climate Fonds will remain invested in the business.

Arcus said AEIF3’s investment will enable EZE to deliver on its near-term network expansion plans.

Munich-based EZE, established in 2019, provides full-service charging infrastructure for electric cars in both large metropolitan regions and smaller communities across Germany.

Michael Allen, partner and head of transport at Arcus, said Actis has been exploring the EV charging sector for some time and identified EZE as a highly attractive player given its solid position in the fast-growing “park and charge” segment that is critical in supporting the decarbonisation of the transport industry.

Allen added: “EZE fits well into our portfolio thanks to its long-term contracts with local municipalities in several major metropolitan regions and strong track record. The business is already well established with a strong trajectory and we look forward to working with the EZE management team to continue its growth.”

Nancy Valentine-Urbschat, co-founder and MD of EZE, said: “The investment and long-term commitment from Arcus gives us the financial backing we need to expand across Germany and beyond, to become one of the leading players in public charging infrastructure.” 

Michael Valentine-Urbschat, co-founder and MD of EZE, said: “We are glad to see that our commitment from day one to build a sustainable charging business is strongly recognised by Arcus.

“With the additional equity, we will focus on strengthening those unique business elements to differentiate us even further in the marketplace.”

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