Meridiam Company Profile
Background
Meridiam, founded in 2005 by Thierry Déau, is an independent investment Benefit Corporation and asset manager specializing in the development, financing, and long-term management of sustainable public infrastructure. The company's mission is to align public and private sector interests to provide critical solutions to community needs, focusing on three core sectors: sustainable mobility, critical public services, and innovative low-carbon solutions. With a presence in over 25 countries and offices in cities including Paris, New York, Istanbul, Toronto, Dakar, Luxembourg, Addis Ababa, Vienna, and Amman, Meridiam manages over $22 billion in assets across more than 125 projects.
Key Strategic Focus
Meridiam's strategic focus centers on delivering sustainable and resilient infrastructure with a long-term commitment to each project and community served. The company emphasizes three impact areas:
- Critical Public Services: Developing hospitals, schools, courthouses, and other essential facilities to improve access to health and education services.
- Sustainable Mobility: Investing in roads, rail, ports, airports, and public transit systems to enhance transportation infrastructure while preserving the environment.
- Innovative Low-Carbon Solutions: Harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar, hydroelectric, and biogas to contribute to the global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Meridiam's integrated approach ensures maximized economic, environmental, and social benefits across all projects.
Financials and Funding
As of April 2023, Meridiam manages assets totaling $20 billion. In April 2023, Samsung Life Insurance acquired a 20% stake in the company, with the remaining 80% owned by Thierry Déau and Meridiam's employees. The company has raised over $855.8 million in funding to date.
Pipeline Development
Meridiam has a robust pipeline of infrastructure projects across its core sectors. Notable developments include:
- Calais Port 2015 Project: A significant expansion of the Port of Calais, enhancing its capacity and efficiency.
- D4 Highway in the Czech Republic: A 28-year public-private partnership to improve connectivity between South Bohemia and Prague.
- West Guyana Power Plant (CEOG): The world's largest power plant project storing intermittent renewable energies using hydrogen.
These projects reflect Meridiam's commitment to sustainable infrastructure development with long-term positive impacts.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Meridiam distinguishes itself through proprietary methodologies and certifications that underscore its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices:
- Proprietary ESG Tool (Simpl.): A tool to rigorously track, measure, and monitor the impact of all projects against Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Certifications: ISO 9001:2015 for quality management, ISO 37001 for anti-bribery management, and an Advanced Sustainability Rating by VigeoEiris (Moody's).
These innovations ensure that Meridiam's projects adhere to the highest standards of sustainability and governance.
Leadership Team
Meridiam's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the company's mission:
- Thierry Déau: Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to founding Meridiam, he served as Chief Executive of Egis Projects, a subsidiary of France’s Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations.
- Nicolas Rubio: CEO of Meridiam Americas. He has been instrumental in expanding Meridiam's presence in the Americas, including relocating the Americas headquarters to Washington, D.C.
The leadership team is committed to delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions globally.
Leadership Changes
In recent years, Meridiam has maintained a stable leadership structure, with Thierry Déau continuing as CEO since the company's inception. Notably, Nicolas Rubio led the relocation of Meridiam's Americas headquarters to Washington, D.C., reflecting the company's strategic expansion in the region.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The global infrastructure investment market is characterized by significant growth potential, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Key trends include a focus on renewable energy projects, public-private partnerships, and the integration of ESG criteria into investment decisions.
Competitor Analysis
Meridiam operates in a competitive landscape alongside several key players:
- InfraRed Capital Partners Ltd: Specializes in infrastructure and real estate investments, focusing on sustainable and long-term projects.
- IFM Investors: A global investment manager with a strong emphasis on infrastructure, managing a diverse portfolio across various sectors.
- Ardian: An independent private investment company managing assets across infrastructure, private equity, and real estate.
These competitors share a commitment to sustainable infrastructure but differ in investment strategies and regional focuses.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Meridiam has established significant partnerships to enhance its market position and innovation capacity:
- Samsung Life Insurance: In April 2023, Samsung Life Insurance acquired a 20% stake in Meridiam.