Caisse des dépôts and the Vauban fund want to acquire Coriance, a specialist in heating and cooling networks

The consortium is in discussion with the Australian-Japanese fund Igneo Infrastructure Partners, owner of Coriance for 15 years.

Created in 1998, Coriance was part of the GDF galaxy before being sold in 2008 when GDF and Suez merged.

"With a portfolio of more than 40 networks in France, Coriance is the 3rd player in the French market. Relying on a thermal production capacity of more than 1,8 gigawatts, the company supplies heat to the equivalent of approximately 225.000 homes in France", detail the two buyers in a press release.

"Heating and cooling networks are expected to experience strong growth in the years to come, in line with the objectives of French and European public policies, and constitute a powerful lever for territorial initiative, with a view to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as the supply of locally produced energy, at a stable and attractive price for users", they continue.

If successful, this acquisition, which could amount to around 1,5 billion euros according to a source familiar with the matter, Vauban would hold 50,1% and the CDC 49,9%, which could add it to its portfolio. of "strategic participations", alongside RTE, Suez or even GRT gaz.