News

Meridiam strengthens its stake and long-term commitment in the Tours-Bordeaux High Speed Line

Two train bridges surrounded by forests

10.10.2024

Meridiam and VINCI Concessions have signed an agreement with Ardian and Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations to acquire more than 26% of the capital of LISEA, the concession holder for the Sud Europe Atlantique High Speed Line (LGV SEA) between Tours and Bordeaux. On completion of this transaction, Meridiam will own 42% of LISEA, alongside VINCI Concessions 42% and Caisse des dépôts et consignations 16%, all three historic partners in the project since 2011.

 

This transaction illustrates Meridiam’s continuing long-term commitment to LISEA, in the service of a major transport infrastructure within the French rail network. It also reflects Meridiam’s confidence in the economic prospects of LISEA and the line, driven by strong user demand for the train, a low-carbon and virtuous mode of transport, which is essential to the ecological transaction. As a result, Meridiam received 19,852 Climate Dividends in 2023 in respect of its stake in LISEA, corresponding to as many tonnes of CO2 avoided during the year, as independently validated by Socotec.

 

The high-speed line linking Tours to Bordeaux is a 340 km infrastructure, emblematic not only for its size, but also for the complexity and richness of its environmental challenges. Since it entered service on 2 July 2017, it has made it possible to reduce journey times, serve the regions and enhance their economic attractiveness.

 

At the same time, strong initiatives to respect the environmental heritage and build a conservation plan for the fauna and flora are being implemented in the 6 departments crossed by the line, until the concession contract expires in 2061. Programmes covering more than 3,500 hectares have been put in place to manage natural sites (14 Natura 2000 sites) over the long term by applying measures to protect the environment and the more than 200 protected species present in the area, as well as to restore and develop biodiversity.

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