Soleil en Tête increases its capital by 1,5 million euros

By Batipole Edition Published on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 02:00 AM

Photo credits : BATIPOLE

Summary for decision-makers

Soleil en Tête, the leading franchise network dedicated to renewable energy in France, has announced the entry of three investment funds into the capital of its parent company, Episol, as part of a €1,5 million capital increase. These new contributions come from the Rhône-Alpes PME fund, Alpes Développement Durable Investissement (A2D-Invest), and Promelys Participations. This fundraising will enable Soleil en Tête to support its growth strategy, with a revenue target of reaching €40 million in 2011 and an expansion of its agency network from 45 to 60 locations by then.

With solid expertise in the installation of renewable energy production solutions, Soleil en Tête positions itself as a major player, offering products such as photovoltaic panels and heat pumps. The company adopts a civic approach, encouraging individuals to become responsible players in the energy transition. By fully integrating the value chain from feasibility studies to after-sales service, Soleil en Tête stands out in the market, guaranteeing expertise and sustainability to its customers in a rapidly expanding sector.

Founded in 2007, the solar energy brokerage network Soleil en Tête is now aiming for further growth. To achieve its goals, its founders have decided to open up its capital to three new investors for a total of €3 million. Thanks to this fundraising, revenue is expected to double to €1,5 million in 40.

Batipôle Editorial

Soleil en Tête welcomes three new investors to finance its growth

Soleil en Tête strengthens its capital to finance its growth

The leading franchise network specializing in renewable energies, Soleil en Tête, announces the entry of three new investors into the capital of Episol, the group's parent company and majority shareholder of SAS Solepi, owner of the brand.

In 2007, Eric Laborde, Thierry Chaix, and Philippe Darricarrère founded Solepi SAS, a franchise development company for the Soleil en Tête network. They share 45% of its capital with EDF EnR, through its subsidiary Photon Power Technologies.

In order to accelerate the growth of Soleil en Tête, in August 2010 they decided to carry out a capital increase of 1,5 million euros by bringing three investment funds into Episol (the company that controls Solepi):
- The Rhône-Alpes PME fund, managed by Rhône-Alpes PME Gestion.
- Alpes Sustainable Development Investment (A2D-Invest), a subsidiary of Banque Populaire des Alpes.
- Promelys Participations, managed by Hervé Letoublon.
The company's management (Eric Laborde, Thierry Chaix and Philippe Darricarrère) remains the majority shareholder with 76% of Episol's capital.

"Only two years after its creation, our network will achieve a turnover of approximately €2010 million in 25," explains Eric Laborde, President of Soleil en tête. This fundraising will allow us to finance strong growth, as we expect to reach €40 million in 2011.
Indeed, we will likely grow from 45 to 60 agencies by that date with two flagship products: photovoltaic panels and heat pumps. We are therefore strengthening our position by offering solutions adapted to the electricity and heating needs of individuals."

A specialist in renewable energy for individuals, Soleil en tête has acquired undeniable expertise in the installation of solar energy production solutions: photovoltaic solar, solar water heaters and heat pumps.
Soleil en tête takes care of everything, without resorting to subcontracting. The solutions it offers are part of a civic-minded approach that encourages individuals to adopt a responsible attitude toward environmental issues.

> About Soleil en Tête:
A network originating from the Annecy region of Haute-Savoie, Soleil en Tête specializes in renewable energy. The network already has more than forty franchised agencies in France and aims to have around one hundred locations by 2012.
Specializing in the implementation of solar energy production solutions, solar electricity, and heat pumps, Soleil en Tête operates across the entire chain (feasibility studies, sales, installation, after-sales service). As a result, it currently stands out as the only multi-energy player of national scope capable of providing its customers with a guarantee of expertise and sustainability.
www.soleilentete.com

> About Rhône-Alpes PME Gestion:
Rhône-Alpes PME Gestion invests in development or transfer capital in regional companies with high potential, whose turnover is generally less than 13 million euros, for unit amounts between 0,3 and 1,5 million euros.
Rhône-Alpes PME Gestion is a subsidiary of the Siparex Group and the Caisses d'Epargne Rhône-Alpes et Loire Drôme Ardèche. Founded in Lyon in 1977 and with a team of 55 professionals, the Siparex Group manages €XNUMX billion in assets and is the leading independent French group in the niche of investing in medium-sized businesses.

> About Promelys Participations:
Promelys Participations positions itself as a specialist in growth capital and business transfer, targeting companies with revenues between €5 million and €50 million. It is an AMF-approved asset management company that manages approximately €60 million in assets and nearly 40 investments through its range of funds (FCPR, FCPI, and FIP).
www.promelys.com

> About Alpes Sustainable Development Investment (A2D-Invest):
A2D-Invest, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Banque Populaire des Alpes, supports regional businesses throughout all phases of their growth. A100D-Invest primarily focuses on the environment and sustainable development sectors. It also targets the medical sector and Biotechnology Services & Tools. Its investments range from €2 to €100.000.