10 May 2023  |  Toronto

DIF Capital Partners acquires leading Canadian geothermal company Diverso

DIF Capital Partners (“DIF”) is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to acquire a majority interest in Diverso Energy Inc. (“Diverso”), a leading developer, owner, and operator of geothermal energy systems in Canada. DIF’s investment will be executed through its DIF Infrastructure VII fund. DIF will acquire a 75% interest directly from the founders who will retain the remaining ownership and continue to lead the company.

Founded in 2015, Diverso offers a geothermal heating and cooling solutions for multi-unit residential and commercial projects under an Energy-as-a-Service (“EaaS”) model with long-term contracts. The acquisition will enable Diverso to continue its growth and execute on its growing pipeline of geothermal projects in Canada.

Diverso’s ground source energy systems typically reduce the carbon intensity of a building by 80% by removing traditional gas boilers. The company estimates its developed and pipeline projects will eliminate over 30,000 tons of CO2 annually. Geothermal systems are expected to contribute to Canada’s target to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. Supportive regulatory policies such as the clean technology investment tax credit for geothermal, regulations requiring stringent reductions of carbon intensity and improvements to energy efficiency in building design and increasing federal carbon taxes position Diverso strongly to achieve its targets.

This investment will provide immediate and long-term benefits to Diverso Energy and our clients” said Tim Weber, CEO of Diverso. “We are extremely proud of what our team has accomplished since our inception in 2015. With our new partnership and the immediate demand for low carbon building solutions, we are well positioned to enhance our operations and grow our position as market leaders as the industry accelerates the adoption of geothermal solutions.”

“Diverso provides a technical solution that is sustainable and significantly improves energy efficiency of buildings. We believe geothermal heating and cooling for residential and commercial properties will play an important role in the overall decarbonization of the Canadian economy” said Gijs Voskuyl, Partner and Head of Infrastructure at DIF Capital Partners. “This investment continues to build upon DIF’s long standing build to core strategy and commitment to reducing greenhouse gases globally. We look forward to the partnership with the Diverso management team in expanding its presence as a leading Canadian geothermal company in an industry supported by strong regulatory tail winds.”

 

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is an independent infrastructure fund manager, with ca. EUR 16 billion of AUM. DIF was founded in 2005 and has built a leading position in managing mid-market investments, primarily in Europe, North America and Australia.

DIF follows two strategies: its traditional DIF funds invest in lower risk mid-sized infrastructure projects and companies in the energy transition (incl. renewables) and utilities sector, as well as PPPs and concessions. The firm’s CIF funds invest in small to mid-sized companies that will thrive in the new economy. These companies are typically active in the digital, energy transition and sustainable transportation sector.

With a team of over 225 professionals in 11 offices, DIF Capital Partners offers a unique market approach combining global presence with the benefits of strong local networks and investment capabilities. DIF is located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney and Toronto.

For more information, please visit www.dif.eu

 

About Diverso

Diverso offers a unique geothermal EaaS model for multi-family, office and institutional buildings. Diverso designs, builds, owns and operates the geothermal system allowing clients to leverage the benefits of geothermal without the financial or operating risks associated with the technology. The Diverso ownership team has worked with hundreds of clients many in high density urban environments. Their combination of financial and technical solutions are expediting the transition from fossil fuels to electric buildings.

For more information, please visit www.diversoenergy.com

 

Contact DIF Capital Partners:

Renate Klöters, Director Marketing & Communications

r.kloters@dif.eu

DIF Capital Partners acquires leading Canadian geothermal company Diverso
9 May 2023  |  London

DIF Capital Partners invests in a portfolio of 8 UK student accommodation assets

DIF Capital Partners (“DIF”) is pleased to announce that it has signed the acquisition of a 100% stake in Ottoway Portfolio Holdings (“Company”), a company that owns and operates a portfolio of eight purpose-built student accommodation (“PBSA”) assets in key UK cities. The company was acquired from a fund advised by Arlington Advisors (“Arlington”), a UK-based investment manager, and Campus Living Villages (“CLV”), one of the world’s leading on-campus student accommodation owner-operators. The investment will be made by DIF Infrastructure VI and CLV will continue operating the portfolio.

The Company comprises a sizable portfolio of PBSA assets, consisting of over 4,500 rooms across seven key cities in England and Wales (London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham and Newport). The majority are freehold assets and the portfolio benefits from a number of fixed leases and long-term agreements with universities. The properties have a considerable operational track record with historically high levels of occupancy driven by strong locations, well-priced rooms and close relationships with universities. The UK PBSA sector is expected to continue to experience growth, driven by its favourable demand and supply fundamentals and secure income generation capabilities. The portfolio also benefits from existing institutional financing in the form of a long-dated listed bond.

Gijs Voskuyl, Partner and Head of Infrastructure at DIF, said: “DIF is excited to add a sizable student accommodation portfolio to DIF VI. This operational portfolio benefits from long-term relationships with universities in key UK cities and has demonstrated a strong historical track record. We recognise the important role that PBSA plays for both local and foreign students thus we look forward to working alongside high calibre educational institutions to provide accommodation for their students”.

DIF was advised by CMS, Vercity, Student First Group, Deloitte and Evolution Infrastructure.

Arlington and CLV were advised by Squire Patton Boggs, KPMG, Memery Crystal and Osborne Clark.

 

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is an independent infrastructure fund manager, with ca. EUR 16 billion of AUM. DIF was founded in 2005 and has built a leading position in managing mid-market investments, primarily in Europe, North America and Australia.

DIF follows two strategies: its traditional DIF funds invest in lower risk mid-sized infrastructure projects and companies in the energy transition (incl. renewables) and utilities sector, as well as PPPs and concessions. The firm’s CIF funds invest in small to mid-sized companies that will thrive in the new economy. These companies are typically active in the digital, energy transition and sustainable transportation sector.

With a team of over 225 professionals in 11 offices, DIF Capital Partners offers a unique market approach combining global presence with the benefits of strong local networks and investment capabilities. DIF is located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney and Toronto.

For more information, please visit www.dif.eu

 

Contact DIF Capital Partners:

Renate Klöters, Director Marketing & Communications

r.kloters@dif.eu