Clearwater advises Uniper on the sale of LIQVIS to EnviTec Biogas
We have advised Uniper SE (Uniper), a leading European energy company, on the sale of 100% of its share capital in LIQVIS GmbH (LIQVIS), a German leader in the HDV (Bio-) LNG filling station market, to EnviTec Biogas AG (EnviTec Biogas), Germany’s largest biogas producer engaged in the production and liquefaction of biomethane.
The integration of LIQVIS into EnviTec Biogas is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. By combining their strengths, both companies can drive innovation and accelerate the transition of the hard-to-decarbonise transport sector in Europe. The acquisition of LIQVIS allows EnviTec Biogas an integrated approach to the production and marketing of Bio-LNG and to accelerate the transition to a zero-emission heavy-duty transport, while LIQVIS can further strengthen its leading market position.
Founded in 2015, LIQVIS is a pioneer in the German HDV LNG market, driven by the mission to accelerate the green transformation of the Heavy-Duty Road Transport Vehicle (HDV) sector across Europe. As the owner and operator of a network of liquefied natural gas (LNG) filling stations, LIQVIS caters to HDVs along crucial transport routes in Germany and France. The company’s portfolio currently encompasses 18 cutting-edge, unmanned LNG filling stations, with a primary focus on the German market, including 15 stations.
EnviTec Biogas is one of the global leading companies in the field of renewable energies, with a particular focus on biogas. With over 20 years of experience, the company has realised over 700 plants worldwide and their own plant portfolio makes EnviTec Biogas the largest biogas producer in Germany. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, from the planning and construction of custom-made plants to the installation, maintenance and optimisation of existing plants. The company is present in 16 countries worldwide with its own entities, sales offices, strategic cooperations, and joint ventures. In 2023, the EnviTec group generated sales of €416.8m and currently employs around 690 people.
Based in Duesseldorf, Uniper is a European energy company with activities in more than 40 countries and with around 7,400 employees, making an important contribution to securing the supply in Europe. Uniper’s core business is power generation in Europe, global energy trading, and a broad gas portfolio. The company also owns and operates gas storage facilities, with a capacity of more than seven billion cubic meters. Uniper plans to become carbon-neutral by 2040. At the beginning of the 2030s, Uniper wants to use more than 80 % of its installed power plant capacity for CO2-free electricity production. For this purpose, the company is transforming its power plants and facilities, investing in flexible and plannable power generation plants. The company already ranks amongst Europe’s largest operators of hydroelectric plants and intends to further expand across solar and wind energy, which is essential for a more sustainable and autonomous future.
„Uniper has already worked successfully and trustingly with Clearwater on M&A projects in the past. Clearwater is characterised in particular by its distinctive expertise and experience in supporting transactions in the renewable energy sector. In the sale of LIQVIS, Clearwater’s deep understanding of the Bio-LNG value chain was instrumental in gaining EnviTec Biogas as a strong strategic partner and new owner for LIQVIS.“ – Sebastian Gröblinghoff, Vice President Green Fuels and M&A project lead on the sale of LIQVIS, Uniper
„We are proud of the successful outcome of this transaction and the trust Uniper has placed in us, a testament to our long-standing partnership. The sale positions LIQVIS for continued growth and success within EnviTec Biogas‘ expanding biogas energy portfolio.“ – Moritz Stupka, Partner, Clearwater