Executing my plan for international growth

• Cotecna has developed a strong testing and inspection capability in countries producing mineral and agricultural commodities in Asia and South America in particular.
• Cotecna now wants to develop a similar capacity in Europe to improve the quality control, the safety and traceability of products between the producer and the final customer / consumer.

• Initially, Victanis conducted a comprehensive screening and analysis of potential acquisition targets as the European market for testing and inspection is mature and governed by a set of European and national standards which does not allow to adopt an organic growth strategy.

• Victanis then assisted our client with the approach of a narrow list of carefully selected targets operating in 6 different countries in Europe.

• The proposed approach has positioned our client as a new and highly credible alternative buyer in Europe and has resulted in the acquisition of a leading Dutch testing laboratory specialised in agri-food products.

Green City Energy was originally focused solely on German projects. In a context of constantly changing regulatory conditions governing renewable energies and the associated uncertainties, the expansion of activities in other European countries was a necessary challenge. This meant being able to do enough projects in the long run and becoming more independent of any particular country's market fluctuations.

• In 2008, Victanis contacted Green City Energy in order to help them seize the opportunities that the French market was offering at the time and to rapidly establish some presence in France. After conducting thorough market and competition studies, Victanis devised a suitable market-entry strategy for France and was then tasked by Green City Energy with its operational implementation. This lead to the creation and development of a French subsidiary based in Toulouse, with the aim of acquiring, developing and operating French renewable energy projects for the German parent company.
• Victanis has been managing the French subsidiary of Green City Energy since 2009 after having invested financially in its development (co-owner).

• After its successful creation, the French subsidiary Green City Energy France has become a significant player in the French market and has been able to acquire numerous photovoltaic and hydroelectric projects.

• From now on, the French projects are an integral part of the Green City Energy funds and have contributed significantly to the history of Green City Energy.

• After a couple of challenging years, the French renewable energy market has become much more mature and still offers good prospects for future development within a much more stable legal framework.