Buzzacott advises Downing LLP on solar portfolio acquisition

11 Oct 2024 • Corporate Finance • Deal • Energy and Renewables • Transaction Services • Transaction Tax

Seller
Undisclosed
Buyer
Downing LLP
Type of deal
Acquisition
Sector
Renewable Energy
Date
11 Oct 2024
The Buzzacott Transaction Services and Tax Teams advised investment manager Downing LLP on its acquisition of a portfolio of c.4,200solar PV residential installations across England and Wales. The portfolio was acquired from Foresight for c.£26 million.

The Buzzacott Transaction Services and Corporate Tax teams assisted Downing in expanding its investment vehicle for charitable institutions through the acquisition of a portfolio of domestic rooftop solar installations.


Overview of the deal

Downing Sustainable Investment (“DSI”) has acquired a portfolio of around 2,900 domestic rooftop solar installations which provide electricity to tenants of 6 housing associations across Yorkshire, the East Midlands and East Anglia.

The transaction team was made up of Megan Leonard-Moran, James Wood, and Alex Judd.

The tax due diligence team was made of Kazia Kruszewski, Nick Lee and Luke Savvas. Our tax team also provided specialist transaction structuring advice to DSI as part of this deal. The VAT Consultancy team was made up of Kam Chauhan.

Who are the firms involved?

DSI, which is managed by Downing LLP, is an investment vehicle designed specifically for charitable institutions. DSI’s mandate is to provide access to renewable energy investments that can deliver a broader positive environmental impact as well as regular attractive returns that can support a charity’s day-to-day investment objectives.

Highlights of the deal

We are excited to support DSI with their diversification agenda: This acquisition now brings exposure to UK wind and solar assets. Long-term investments into core renewables will support the UK’s journey to net-zero.