GDF SUEZ acquires a stake in Redbird to develop new solutions for civilian drones in industrial and services businesses

GDF SUEZ, a world leader in energy, announces an investment in Redbird, an expert in the analysis of technical data collected by drones, through GDF SUEZ New Ventures, its corporate venture capital subsidiary supporting innovative companies. This investment of €2 million, will enable Redbird to strengthen its growth, accelerate the development of new innovative solutions and enhance existing synergies with GDF SUEZ.

Strong synergies in France and abroad

The present agreement should enable GDF SUEZ and Redbird to strengthen their partnership in the short term in two main areas:

• Maintenance and monitoring of natural gas infrastructures,
• Services for industrial clients and security for public institutions (major sporting events and festivals), thermography, topography, etc.

For GDF SUEZ, this investment takes part in an active policy of support for the emergence of digital technologies, including the automated analyses of very large quantities of technical data. Such technologies are likely in the short term to reduce the operating costs for its major infrastructures and multi-technical services and improve the quality of services provided to customers. Other sectors such as hydropower and wind power industries could use them in developing aerial imagery resources.

For Redbird, this funding should help strengthen its existing leadership in the public works sector and boost growth in other strategic industries (road and rail networks, power grids, buildings, civil engineering, agriculture…).

“After electric mobility, B2C Energy Services Management, and the Internet of Things, this new investment for GDF SUEZ New Ventures will give Redbird opportunities to accelerate the development of innovative offers in many promising areas of value for the Group, such as very high resolution photogrammetry or preventive maintenance of large structures “says Gérard Mestrallet, Chairman and CEO of GDF SUEZ.

“We are very pleased to have with us a leading industrial player such as GDF SUEZ. Since 2013, we are deeply convinced of the value of civilian drones for infrastructure networks, and this choice is relevant today. Despite technical and regulatory complexities, it is one of the most promising sectors. This exceptional support will enable us to develop ever more powerful drone solutions and grow internationally “highlights Emmanuel de Maistre, President of Redbird.

About Redbird

Redbird is a civilian drones by data provider established in 2013. Redbird provides companies with innovative solutions to optimize their resources and improve productivity by analyzing and processing data acquired by drones. Redbird offers innovative solutions in three major areas: major infrastructure networks (transport and energy), public works (construction, mining & quarrying) and precision agriculture. In the space of two years, Redbird has become one of the leading actors of civil UAV in France. Redbird shareholders include the Monnoyeur Group (Caterpillar dealer), a partner of the company since 2014 and the French leader in the distribution of equipment and services to the construction business and present on most major job sites in French shipyards as well as in many other countries in Europe and North Africa.

• Press Contacts Redbird – Wellcom Agency 
  Marion Obadia – Camille Pan – Cécile Soubelet
  Tél. : +33 1 46 34 60 60
  E-Mail : pr@redbird.fr 

About GDF SUEZ

GDF SUEZ develops its businesses (power, natural gas, energy services) around a model based on responsible growth to take up today’s major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, fighting against climate change and maximizing the use of resources. The Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gas-supply sources, flexible and low-emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: independent power production, liquefied natural gas, renewable energy and energy efficiency services. GDF SUEZ employs 152,900 people worldwide and achieved revenues of EUR 74.7 billion in 2014. The Group is listed on the Paris, Brussels and Luxembourg stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe, ASPI Eurozone, Euronext Vigeo Eurozone 120, Vigeo World 120, Vigeo Europe 120 and Vigeo France 20.

• Contacts GDF SUEZ :
  Tél. France : +33 (0)1 44 22 24 35
  Tél. Belgique : +32 2 510 76 70
  E-Mail : gdfsuezpress@gdfsuez.com
• Investor Relations Contact:
  Tél. : +33 (0)1 44 22 66 29
  E-Mail : ir@gdfsuez.com

About GDF SUEZ New Ventures

The GDF SUEZ New Ventures capital venture fund is intended to take minority stakes in companies that share the strategic directions of GDF SUEZ and have reached an advanced stage of development. Launched in 2014 with an endowment of € 100 million, the fund has identified four priority areas: energy management and load management, cities, territories and mobility, home comfort, decentralized production and storage. Redbird is the fourth investment for GDF SUEZ in an innovative company.