Ardian and Societe Generale combine expertise to scale Nature-Based Solutions investments
Ardian and Societe Generale announce today the launch of a nature-based solutions (NBS) equity partnership, aimed at supporting the development and scaling of projects focused on the preservation and restoration of natural ecosystems. As part of this partnership, Societe Generale will invest EUR 100 million as an anchor investor in Ardian’s “Averrhoa NBS” fund and act as financial advisor to Ardian, supporting the structuring and deployment of the fund, through its affiliate Societe Generale Investment Solutions.
Averrhoa NBS is a SFDR1 Article 9 impact fund managed by Ardian’s Infrastructure team in partnership with aDryada Advisory. The strategy is dedicated to investing in projects to reforest and restore wetlands and mangroves, aimed at protecting biodiversity while enabling carbon sequestration through natural sinks, with a target of 85 million tons of carbon over 40 years2. These projects also contribute to climate mitigation by preserving water resources, improving soil and air quality, and supporting local ecosystems and communities, in a context where global ecosystem degradation and forest loss continue to represent significant environmental challenges.
Through this partnership, Ardian and Societe Generale are joining forces, combining infrastructure investment and structuring expertise to develop high-quality nature-based projects addressing growing demand from corporates and financial institutions. Together, they aim to contribute to the development of nature-based solutions as an investable asset class, while supporting projects with long-term visibility.
Mathias Burghardt, Executive President and CEO of Ardian France, Ardian commented: “Ardian is establishing itself as a key player in nature‑based solutions by developing carbon capture projects that address climate challenges while restoring natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Beyond targeting the sequestration of up to 85 million tons of carbon, these initiatives are designed to deliver lasting benefits to local communities and meet the growing demand for solutions supporting net-zero ambitions. We are particularly pleased to welcome Societe Generale as a trusted partner, whose support reflects strong conviction in Ardian’s investment capabilities.”
Anne-Christine Champion, Co-Head of Global Banking and Investor Solutions at Societe Generale commented: “Nature-based solutions are an emerging investment area, where robust frameworks and long-term approaches are essential. This partnership reflects a shared conviction on how this market needs to develop, with a focus on large-scale, well-structured projects supported by strong underlying demand. Building on our leadership in project and infrastructure financing, and our expertise in nature-related transactions, we are contributing capital, advisory and structuring capabilities alongside Ardian to support the scaling of this market over time and help our clients integrate nature into their adaptation and transition strategies.”
Important notice: This press release is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or interests in any fund. Investments in private equity involve risks, including the risk of partial or total loss of capital. Any investment decision should be made solely on the basis of the fund’s official offering documentation. The fund referenced herein is intended exclusively for professional investors within the meaning of Directive 2014/65/EU or equivalent investor categories under the laws of the relevant jurisdictions.
ABOUT ardian
In a world of constant evolution, Ardian stands out for its ability to anticipate, adapt, and turn challenges into opportunities. As a global, diversified private markets firm with 22 offices and more than 350 investment professionals worldwide, we provide investment and customized solutions that reflect new economic dynamics and help our clients remain resilient in a changing world.
We deliver multi-local expertise and long-term performance for our investors and partners as well as shared value for the broader society. Since Ardian’s inception in 1996, our pioneering approach to diversification and our ability to offer tailor-made solutions at scale have remained the heart of our strategy.
Through commitment, knowledge and technology, we bring lasting value to our companies and contribute positively to the whole industry.
Ardian currently manages or advises $200bn for more than 1,920 clients worldwide across Private Equity, Real Assets, and Credit.
Ardian. Mastering change for lasting value.
ABOUT SOCIETE GENERALE
Societe Generale is a top-tier European Bank with around 110,000 employees serving 27 million clients in 58 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for over 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.
The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:
- French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
- Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
- Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.
Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).
In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the document’s legitimacy directly on the web page.
For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website www.societegenerale.com/en