A public consortium comprising CNP Assurances, CDC Infrastructure and Caisse des Dépôts has finalised the creation with GDF Suez of a long-term cooperative venture in the natural gas transportation industry in France and the rest of Europe. To this end, the consortium has acquired a 25% minority stake in GRTgaz for €1.1 billion.

Through this investment, the consortium intends to support GRTgaz’s development plan for the next ten years, at a time when Europe has major infrastructure needs. The consortium’s backing will allow GRTgaz to expand its business beyond France by acquiring GDF Suez’s stakes in other European natural gas transportation companies, including GRTgaz Deutschland GmbH and MEGAL GmbH in Germany and BOG GmbH in Austria. The deal was completed after the agreement was signed.

About GDF Suez

GDF Suez develops its businesses 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: liquefied natural gas, energy efficiency services, independent power production and environmental services. GDF Suez employs 218,350 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €84.5 billion in 2010. The Group is listed on the Brussels, Luxembourg and Paris stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Stoxx 50, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe, ASPI Eurozone and ECPI Ethical Index EMU.

About the public consortium

France’s leading personal insurer, CNP Assurances designs, develops and manages life insurance contracts that are distributed through a variety of partners, including major banking networks, financial institutions and mutual insurers.

As a public financial institution, Caisse des Dépôts is a long-term investor serving the public interest and France’s economic development.

CDC Infrastructure is a subsidiary of Caisse des Dépôts set up to invest in the infrastructure sector.

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