Stout is pleased to announce that its client, Criterion Africa Partners (CAP), has sold its 49% stake in Compagnie des Bois du Gabon (CBG) to TotalEnergies. Stout served as exclusive financial advisor to CAP and CBG’s founding family in connection with this transaction.

CBG is a key player in Gabonese forestry, recognized for its responsible and sustainable management of 600,000 hectares of forest and for its ongoing contribution to protecting biodiversity, certified to the highest international standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

The forest management model applied by the partners will make it possible to develop a new balance between the harvesting and local processing of sustainable wood combined with carbon storage and the production of related carbon credits thanks to the reduced impact of forest operations, reforestation, agroforestry, and the conservation of natural forests. This new model is in line with the country’s development strategy to sustainably manage its natural resources for the benefit of the population, as well as with Gabon’s climate policy.

Dr. Ole C. Sand, Managing Partner of Criterion Africa Partners, said, “Since investing in CBG in 2016, the CAP team has worked closely with the Fenart family on the implementation of a broad range of value creation activities. CAP is proud to exit CBG with significantly higher financial, ESG, and developmental performance than in 2016. CAP is especially pleased that the transaction will ensure the forest resource will continue to be sustainably managed and in accordance with FSC certification.”

“Climate change and nature loss call for action. This is a long-term ambition that requires re-thinking certain models, challenging current practices, and innovating. Forests are of crucial importance in the fight against climate change. We need to anticipate and be progressive to meet the challenges for the population, the country of Gabon, biodiversity, and climate,” said Hubert and Guillaume Fenart, CEOs of CBG.

Christophe Lapaque, Head of Stout’s Switzerland office, who led the transaction, added, “We had to identify the right partner to continue CBG’s journey. To find the perfect match, we literally went around the world. When we started, sustainability was a trend; today it is an emergency. We are very proud to announce that we found the right partner to secure a great future for CBG and its ambitious vision.”

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