The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan is investing in a packaging company servicing European and North American businesses, as well as an Indian renewable energy platform.
The pension fund is securing its stake in GPA Global from EQT Private Equity and several smaller shareholders. Following the transaction, the Ontario Teachers’ will share control of the business with its founders, Tom Wang and Adam Melton, who will continue to lead the company. The exact terms of the transaction haven’t been disclosed.
With its headquarters in China and the U.S., GPA provides premium packaging solutions to consumer electronics, beverage, jewelry, health and beauty companies in Europe and North America. It also provides designing, engineering, vendor management, production and distribution services.
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The Ontario Teachers’ expects to support GPA’s growth by leveraging its global reach and experience investing in the packaging sector, according to a press release. “We believe Tom and Adam have created a unique and differentiated packaging platform and look forward to a long-lasting partnership with them and GPA’s talented management team as the business enters its next stage of growth,” said Raju Ruparelia, the pension fund’s senior managing director of private capital for Asia-Pacific, in the release.
It’s also acquiring a 30 per cent stake, for about $397 million, in Mahindra Susten Pvt. Ltd., a renewable power investment platform providing engineering, procurement and construction solutions to businesses.
As part of the arrangement, the Ontario Teachers’ and the Mahindra Group will launch an infrastructure investment trust comprised of renewable power assets seeded by Mahindra Susten. It will also invest up to $596 million to help Mahindra Susten build strong renewable energy businesses focused on solar energy, hybrid energy and integrated energy storage.
According to a press release, the move is part of the pension fund’s broader climate change strategy. “We believe the renewable energy sector in India is poised for significant growth in the coming years as India works towards its ambitious clean energy goals and are excited to partner with the Mahindra Group in this initiative,” said Chris Ireland, senior managing director of greenfield investments and renewables, infrastructure and natural resources at the Ontario Teachers’.