Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, Statkraft, has started to explore opportunities to invite new shareholders into the ownership structure of its fully-owned electric vehicle (EV) charging operator Mer, to support the company’s ambitious growth strategy.

Statkraft, which will remain an active and committed majority shareholder in Mer, has engaged Carnegie and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken as financial advisors for the process.

“Inviting more shareholders into Mer alongside Statkraft will enable the company to accelerate the expansion of its EV charging network across Europe to take an even bigger role in the global shift to carbon-free transport,” said Jürgen Tzschoppe, Executive Vice President for New Energy Solutions at Statkraft.​

“We have just started this process and will take the necessary time to consider the best possible ownership structure for Mer going forward. Taking a leading role in EV charging is a good example of how Statkraft implements its strategy to develop and scale new green energy technologies, by partnering with others.”

Founded in 2009 as Grønn Kontakt and rebranded as Mer in 2020, the company began its growth journey in Norway, gaining unique first mover experience in Europe’s pioneer EV market.

Through a series of targeted acquisitions and rapid rollout of chargers, Mer has significantly increased its market presence across Europe over the past decade.​ Its operations now span five European countries – the UK, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Austria.

In addition to a wide public charging network, Mer offers smart charging solutions for commercial fleets, housing cooperatives and businesses, putting the company in an attractive position for further growth across geographies and business models as EV market growth accelerates. ​

Mer became a Zap-Pay partner last summer.

“Powerful megatrends are driving EV adoption across the globe and by 2030, almost half of all new passenger cars are expected to be electric. This will quickly go towards 100% thereafter,” said Kristoffer Thoner, CEO of Mer, which became a Zap-Pay partner last year.

Electric mobility plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change. The replacement of fossil fuel with electric vehicles constitutes a major component of global CO2 emission reduction efforts and is firmly anchored through the EU Green Deal and the “Fit for 55” package.

“Our mission is to make the shift to sustainable electric mobility easy and accessible for everyone by offering innovative solutions that will delight our customers with seamless EV charging experiences,” Thoner continued.

“With over 35,000 charging points, Mer has a strong foothold in the most attractive EV markets in Europe, and in 2021 we provided over 316 million electric driven kilometers. Combined with our early mover experience, unique sustainability commitment and rapidly expanding EV charging network – Mer is positioned to play a leading role in the transportation revolution in Europe.”