A&O Shearman advises Partners Group on investment in green flexibility

Through Partners Group’s initial equity commitment of up to EUR400 million and complementary debt financing, green flexibility will have more than EUR1 billion to invest in driving Europe’s energy transition.

green flexibility specializes in developing and operating large-scale battery storage systems that serve as the backbone of modern, flexible energy infrastructure in Europe. The expansion of intermittent renewable energy sources and the retirement of baseload capacity in Germany are increasing fluctuations in electricity generation, driving price volatility and grid instability. BESS store excess energy during periods of ample supply and then release it when needed, helping to stabilize the grid, reduce curtailment, and smooth energy costs for consumers and businesses. The Company aims to execute an extensive pipeline of BESS projects and establish itself as a leading Independent Flexibility Provider ("IFP"), which involves monetizing storage capacity through long term contracts. By incorporating advanced software, artificial intelligence, and leveraging strong local relationships, green flexibility is also expediting project development and construction. The Company is set to benefit from thematic growth trends in Germany, including the continued expansion of renewables within the energy mix and the increasing need for grid flexibility. 

Partners Group is one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry, with around 1’800 professionals and approximately USD150bn in overall assets under management. The firm has investment programs and custom mandates spanning private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate, and royalties.

The international A&O Shearman team was led by partner Max Landshut, counsel Dr. Stefan Witte and senior associate Dr. Marcus Mackensen (all Corporate/M&A, all Hamburg).

Other core team members were counsel Pol Theisen (Luxembourg), senior associate Dr. Johannes Schmidt (Hamburg) as well as associates Jaques Hoffmann (Luxembourg), Dr. Jonas Schuck and Johann von Pachelbel (both Hamburg, all Corporate/M&A).

Furthermore, the team comprised of partner Jacques Graas (Corporate/M&A, Luxembourg), Dr. Christian Hilmes (Real Estate), Markulf Behrendt (Employment, both Hamburg), Dr. Udo Olgemöller (Public Law), Tim Drach (Tax, both Frankfurt), Catharina Glugla (Data Protection & Cyber, Düsseldorf), Franz Kerger and Patrick Mischo (both Tax, both Luxembourg), counsels Marie-Luise von Buchwaldt (Hamburg) and Dr. Achim Schmid (Düsseldorf, both Corporate/M&A), senior associates Julie Kofler (Tax, Luxembourg), Benn Berger (Tax, Hamburg), Hauke Jung (Real Estate, Frankfurt), Anna Kräling (IP/IT, Düsseldorf), Tom Haeseler (Banking & Finance), Dr. Stephan Bühner (Public Law, both Frankfurt), Merle Herrmann (Employment, Hamburg), as well as of associates Pascal Yves Schroeder (Data Protection & Cyber, Düsseldorf), Jan Henrich (Employment, Frankfurt), Dr. Jakob Schultehinrichs (Corporate/M&A, Hamburg), Katharina Juenemann (IP/IT, Düsseldorf) and Janina Müller (Public Law, Frankfurt).

Only at the end of last year, an A&O Shearman team led by partner Max Landshut advised Partners Group on the sale of the VSB Group to TotalEnergies.