Suma Capital has successfully closed a 250 million euros continuation fund to accelerate the growth of Grupo Gestcompost, a leading platform in the biogas and biomethane sector in Spain.

Founded in 2003 by Joan Antoni Solans, Grupo Gestcompost has established itself as the reference firm in Spain in treating and valorizing organic waste for producing biogas, biomethane, and organic fertilizers. The company manages industrial waste from key sectors such as the paper industry, water treatment plants, by-animals and the agri-food industry.

Since Suma Capital’s entry in 2020, Grupo Gestcompost, headquartered in Zaragoza, has tripled its EBITDA, quadrupled its workforce, and opened new facilities in Lleida and Belinchón, Castilla la Mancha. The company has strengthened its market presence through the construction and acquisition of new treatment plants, the attraction of talent, and a favorable regulatory environment that has promoted the treatment of organic waste, which was previously sent to landfills or applied discretionally to agricultural land, causing negative impacts on the underground environment.

Additionally, it has promoted best practices in environmental sustainability (ISO 14.001), quality management (ISO 9001), occupational health and safety (ISO 45001), as well as the implementation of an emissions reduction plan and better governance practices. These actions have led to various national and international recognitions, such as the ‘2023 Impact Project of the Year’ award from Environmental Finance.

With a treatment capacity of 1.2 million tons of organic waste across its three strategically located facilities in Aragón, Castilla la Mancha, and Catalonia, Grupo Gestcompost will begin biomethane production this year, with an annual output of 75 GWh. Over the next five years, the company expects to exceed 1 TWh of biomethane production, supported by a portfolio of projects strengthening its leadership in the sector.

In this regard, the capital raised for Grupo Gestcompost will support strategic projects focused on developing and building new biomethane plants in the coming years, accelerating the transition to a more sustainable energy model.

This continuation fund has secured participation from top-tier international institutional investors, led by Partners Group, one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry, acting on behalf of its clients. Other actors committed to supporting impact projects that address the effects of climate change and promote the development of clean infrastructure, such as Mercer, BlueEarth, Altamar and Unigestion, have also participated. Classified as Article 9 under the EU SFDR regulation, the fund ensures that its investments promote sustainability and contribute directly to the decarbonization of the economy.

This transaction, the largest of its kind led by Suma Capital, is fully aligned with its strategy to support companies and projects that promote energy transition and the circular economy. With 1.2 billion euros in assets under management and nearly 20 years of experience, Suma Capital continues to strengthen its position as a leading independent impact investment manager. In May 2024, the firm incorporated AMG as a strategic partner and continues to expand its international presence, with offices in Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, and its first investment in Italy.

Antoni Macià, Partner at Suma Capital, states: “We are proud to launch this new investment vehicle to support Gestcompost’s growth while strengthening our commitment to decarbonizing the Spanish economy. This fund reflects the positive impact of our investments in promoting circularity and contributing to European emissions reduction goals”.

Joan Antoni Solans, founder of Grupo Gestcompost, adds: “Thanks to this capital injection, we will develop new biogas plants in the coming years and advance towards our goal of promoting a circular economy by transforming waste into resources and energy. We will continue supporting our clients by providing comprehensive solutions through efficient waste management, promoting valorization and reaffirming our leadership in the sector in Spain”.

Dr. Dmitriy Antropov, Head of Infrastructure Partnership Investments, Partners Group, says: “We have been tracking Gestcompost through our thematic research in the European circular economy space. The Company has a competitive advantage due to its long-standing experience in the waste treatment sector and access to high-quality feedstock. There is a significant growth opportunity for the Company to leverage its market-leading position and large asset base to expand into biomethane production”.

The transaction was advised by Rothschild and Clifford Chance.