Akuo changes hands. Ardian finalises the full takeover of the renewable-energy developer by purchasing the stakes held by its co-founders and the fund Intermediate Capital Group. The transaction provides the group, founded in 2007, with the financial resources needed to boost installed capacity from 1.9 GW to five gigawatts by 2030. Ardian at the same time appoints Bruno Bensasson as chief executive officer to steer this new growth phase.
Ardian capital and control structure
Ardian, the Paris-based private-equity firm, acquires 100 % of Akuo’s share capital from Éric Scotto, Patrice Lucas and Intermediate Capital Group. The agreement, announced on 24 March, has secured all required regulatory approvals. The parties say the capital injection will strengthen Akuo’s ability to finance projects in Europe and the Americas, where most of its pipeline of more than ten gigawatts is located. The company currently employs 450 staff.
Bruno Bensasson, an engineer who graduated from École Polytechnique and École des Mines de Paris, will take up his duties on 4 July 2025. He headed the Renewable Energies division of Électricité de France until 2024 before joining the board of Vestas Wind Systems earlier this year. “I take over the general management of Akuo with pride and enthusiasm,” he said, thanking the teams for their “commitment and skills”. Ardian states that his arrival should “accelerate profitable growth” while maximising the existing portfolio.
Governance and roadmap
The company will be overseen by a supervisory board whose members will be appointed by Ardian. The fund names Éric Scotto as chair of this body to ensure strategic continuity during the transition. Scotto, who founded Akuo in 2007, described “a remarkable adventure” and believes Ardian’s resources will enable the targets to be met. His presence on the board is expected to preserve internal culture while supporting international expansion.
Founded to develop solar and wind farms in France, Akuo now owns assets on three continents, with a recent focus on Southern Europe and Latin America. The strategy outlined aims to triple installed capacity and bring the most advanced projects on line earlier. The new resources should also encourage diversified financing, notably through bond issues or banking partnerships. Observers will watch the team’s ability to deliver these projects in an environment of persistently high interest rates.
Targets for 2030
The five-gigawatt goal represents almost triple Akuo’s current capacity. The group is banking on onshore wind farms, large-scale solar installations and hybrid projects incorporating battery storage. Management also plans to secure long-term power-purchase agreements to stabilise revenue. Delivering the pipeline of more than ten gigawatts of projects now under development will be crucial to meeting the stated ambitions.
