GDF SUEZ acquires a stake in Redbird

Press

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.