Continuing the successful collaboration between Swiss Life Asset Managers and UBS Asset Management, the initial closing allows institutional clients to invest more to support Switzerland’s energy transition.
Like its predecessors, Clean Energy Infrastructure Switzerland’s third investment solution (CEIS 3) provides institutional investors with access to a well-diversified portfolio of infrastructure investments in growth sectors along the value of sustainable energy. The solution will primarily invest in energy efficiency and supply infrastructure in Switzerland. Launched in November 2022, CEIS 3 has just successfully completed its initial closing with 38 institutional investors who have committed for a total of 772 million francs.
With the transfer of assets from the first UBS-CEIS solution, CEIS 3’s seed portfolio already comprises a well-diversified portfolio of 11 investments in Switzerland, with CHF 397 million in capital commitments and a net worth of inventory (NAV) which amounts to 570 million francs. As demand for new subscriptions remained strong despite market difficulties, investors subscribed an additional 375 million francs to the third solution, bringing commitments to 772 million francs. At the initial close, CEIS 3 exceeded the total amount raised for each of the two previous solutions.
CEIS 3 is the result of a joint initiative by Swiss Life Asset Managers, an investment specialist with a strong track record in infrastructure in Switzerland and globally, and UBS Asset Management, a global asset manager large-scale with extensive private markets expertise and the largest mutual fund manager in Switzerland.
The solution will continue to prioritize investments in Swiss private assets focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy infrastructure and decarbonization, in addition to assets in utilities, transport and telecommunications. These include, among others, investments in hydropower plants, power grids, local and district heating networks, solar power plants, waste treatment facilities, recycling facilities, water infrastructure, as well as companies specializing in energy storage and smart meters.
The need to renew, modernize and transform the energy infrastructure in Switzerland not only offers numerous investment opportunities, but also allows institutional investors to make a valuable contribution to the production of renewable energies, in line with the Energy Strategy 2050 of the Federal Council, for a sustainable future and, ultimately, the security of Switzerland’s energy supply.
Going forward, the solution remains open and will conduct additional closings for new qualified investors.
Beat Huber, Head Swiss Infrastructure Investments at Swiss Life Asset Managers, comments on the transaction: “The continued strong interest in CEIS 3 is a strong incentive for us to continue the success of the CEIS family. With this third solution, the assets managed in unlisted infrastructures in Switzerland reach 1.2 billion francs. We are thus an investor and a reliable long-term partner for companies, project promoters, cantons and municipalities. The scale of the investment needs and the foreseeable evolution of the energy sector offer interesting investment opportunities and a positive contribution for future generations.”
Andreas Toscan, Head Institutional Client Coverage Switzerland at UBS Asset Management, comments: “CEIS is a great example of how sustainability-focused investments can support the transition to a greener economy, while helping our clients to generate long-term returns in a difficult market environment. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Swiss Life Asset Managers, which will allow us to better combine our strengths in the Swiss energy market within our ecosystem.”