LichtBlick takes over Mer Germany’s B2B charging business.
The provider LichtBlick is acquiring Mer Germany’s business customer charging business, thereby strengthening its offerings for commercial charging infrastructure according to its own statements. LichtBlick’s portfolio expands by around 7,000 charging points through this acquisition.
LichtBlick eMobility and Mer Germany announced the transaction in a statement. Lichtblick eMobility, a charging infrastructure specialist owned by energy provider LichtBlick and based in Rottendorf in the Würzburg district, aims to “targetedly expand” its own offerings by acquiring Mer Germany’s B2B business and strengthen its position in the commercial charging infrastructure market. The acquisition is still subject to approval from the relevant regulatory authorities but is expected to be completed by October 1.
Lichtblick aims to enable existing and new customers, through the integration of Mers B2B division, to benefit from an expanded range of services for electrifying their vehicle fleets, as well as digital energy and charging solutions under one roof. “Mer Germany GmbH’s business customer segment offers a broad portfolio of solutions, a established client base, and an experienced team with deep industry expertise,” states Lichtblick eMobility. The company will be integrated as a 100-percent subsidiary of LichtBlick eMobility GmbH, while its Munich location will remain intact.
The transaction will see approximately 7,000 charging stations in Germany transferred to LichtBlick eMobility’s portfolio. Additionally, alongside expanding its charging network, LichtBlick is also growing its expertise in B2B business, particularly in planning and implementing charging infrastructure projects for corporate clients.
“The Mer Business Charging business will find a new home at LichtBlick eMobility GmbH with a clear future outlook. During the transition period, we will continue to support our business clients with the same reliability, expertise, and service quality they are accustomed to. At the same time, the acquisition by LichtBlick eMobility GmbH opens up further opportunities to specifically develop our offerings and create new added value. The combination of extensive experience in charging infrastructure and energy expertise
"And innovation creates a solid foundation to continue supporting companies and their fleets with effective charging solutions in the future," emphasizes Jessica Schneider, part of the management team at Mer Gemany GmbH.
The reason for the sale is an ongoing merger in Norway: between Statkraft’s subsidiary Mer, headquartered in Oslo, and the similarly Norwegian charging infrastructure company Eviny Fast Charging. According to the partners, the combined company aims to become the largest fast charging provider in the Nordic countries. It also plans to integrate Mer’s public charging business in Germany in the long term. The B2B business segment is now under LightBlick’s ownership.
"As corporate fleets become increasingly electrified, the demand for intelligent and cost-effective charging solutions is growing. The new team will help us tap into this market potential more quickly and further expand our offerings for business customers," comments Sebastian Ewert, CEO of LichtBlick eMobility GmbH. "The subscription model is a key component for this goal." As part of the acquisition, Sebastian Ewert will join the management team of the 100-percent-owned subsidiary.
The referred to transit model is an approach in which, simply put, users can bring their own electricity tariff to a charging station. LichtBlick is considered a strong advocate and pioneer of this model. The company already offers the transit model at several locations in its QuickCharge charging network. For example, business drivers can use their company’s electricity tariff while on the road, regardless of the charging station operator. Ewert emphasizes that this makes his company one of the leaders in practically implementing the transit principle at charging stations in Germany.
At the same time, LichtBlick eMobility is driving the expansion of charging infrastructure for heavy transport: As part of a consortium, the company has been awarded contracts for 14 public locations in Baden-Württemberg. According to LichtBlick’s management, investments of over 100 million euros are planned for the e-mobility sector in the coming years.
Background: LichtBlick was founded in 1998 as an energy provider focused on renewable and smart electricity. For some time now, in addition to energy and heat, the company also offers mobility solutions. For example, LichtBlick operates the aforementioned QuickCharge charging network and is responsible for several solar projects. In the future, LichtBlick plans to integrate more battery storage into its services—also in combination with fast charging locations. The company, headquartered in Hamburg, currently employs around 700 staff members. LichtBlick is itself a subsidiary of the Eneco Group.