Axpo takes over Volkswind – important pillar for the expansion of renewables

16.07.2015 - On 15 July 2015, Axpo signed the sales contract for the acquisition of Volkswind GmbH, a leading wind farm developer and operator in Germany and France. With this acquisition, Axpo is strengthening its position in the area of renewable energies and entering into the market for construction and development of wind power plants in Germany and France.

The Volkswind acquisition is an important step for Axpo in expanding its renewable energies portfolio. With the purchase of the company, Axpo takes over 31 operating wind farms with a total capacity of 154 megawatts (MW), and acquires a major project pipeline in France and Germany, 460 MW of which has already been granted construction approval, and another 2500 MW in various stages of development. Axpo is thereby expanding its business activities into wind farm construction and development, and intends to realise higher added value from the renewable energies b

Volkswind GmbH was founded in 1993 by two engineers and wind energy pioneers, who have progressively expanded the business. The company ranks among the leading and most successful independent wind farm developers and operators in Germany and France. Volkswind currently employs a staff of 60 in these countries. Axpo will take over all employees and purposefully build on this workforce.

The new Axpo subsidiary will continue to operate under the name Volkswind, and remain largely independent. This will ensure the essential flexibility and agility needed for continued success in the local markets in the future. At the same time, Axpo will contribute expertise and competence to further reinforce and expand the Volkswind business.

The parties have agreed not to disclose details of the sale. The acquisition will be finalised in the last quarter of 2015 after approval by the merger control authorities in the individual EU countries.