KKR Partners with EGC to Drive Real Estate Decarbonization in Germany
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- Strategic Growth: KKR’s partnership aims to position EGC as a leading decarbonization partner for the real estate industry.
- Decarbonization Focus: EGC will expand its energy services to help meet EU climate targets by upgrading heating systems in buildings.
- Employee Ownership: KKR will implement a broad-based employee ownership model to engage EGC’s workforce in shaping the company’s future.
KKR, a global investment powerhouse, has entered a strategic partnership with Düsseldorf-based energy service provider EGC, aiming to accelerate EGC’s growth and establish it as a premier decarbonization partner for the real estate industry. The engineering service provider ITG is also part of this alliance.
The founding family and current shareholders will retain a stake in EGC, maintaining active roles in management. Michael Lowak, former CEO of GETEC Group, will join as Chairman, bringing valuable industry insights to guide the company’s strategic direction.
“The collaboration with KKR opens up completely new possibilities for us to further expand our strong market position,” said Corinna and Dirk Pitz, members of EGC’s management. “We have found a partner that shares both our strategic goals and entrepreneurial approach.”
Why It Matters:
Buildings account for about one-third of global CO2 emissions, primarily from heating systems. Decarbonizing these systems is essential to achieving the EU’s climate objectives. EGC, a second-generation family business, offers end-to-end solutions from planning and financing to operating energy systems. The company manages 2 million square meters of real estate and operates around 800 heating units.
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“EGC enables landlords to efficiently plan, implement, and finance the decarbonization of their properties,” said Michael Lowak. “The company contributes significantly to both the real estate industry and the energy transition in Germany.”
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The Bigger Picture:
With approximately $77 billion in infrastructure assets under management, KKR plans to leverage its global experience and investment capacity to support EGC’s ambition for both organic and inorganic growth. The firm’s Global Climate Strategy will guide this investment, aligning with its broader commitment to a low-carbon economy.
“To advance the energy transition in Germany at the necessary pace, we need creative solutions and long-term capital,” said Ryan Miller, Managing Director in KKR’s European Infrastructure team.
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Additionally, KKR will introduce an employee ownership model at EGC, ensuring that all employees play a role in shaping the company’s future and benefiting from its success. This model has already been rolled out in 60 portfolio companies worldwide, engaging over 150,000 non-management employees.
This strategic move strengthens KKR’s long history of collaborating with family-run businesses and reinforces its investment focus on Germany’s evolving energy market.
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