French utility Engie is to acquire Netherlands-based charging specialist EV-Box for an undisclosed amount.

EV-Box currently has a presence in 20 countries through a network of partners.

In a statement, Engie said the acquisition would place it in a “unique position to offer customers in all segments, across the globe, innovative, attractive and comprehensive electric vehicle charging and related energy services”.

The agreement, announced at the rEVolution 2017 event, will see EV-Box remain an autonomous entity and retain its own brand. Kristof Vereenooghe will stay on as CEO of EV-Box, reporting to Thierry Lepercq, executive vice-president research, technologies & innovation at Engie.

EV-Box has been developing and selling electric vehicle charging solutions since 2010 and recently started extending its geographical reach into Belgium, France, Scandinavia, Germany, the UK and the USA, while also remaining present in 20 countries through a network of partners.

Engie’s Thierry Lepercq commented: “Engie views EV-Box’s acquisition as a strategic step towards a completely new energy paradigm the world is shifting towards. It’s also Engie’s first major investment in one of our high-growth strategic priority areas. Engie and EV-Box share a common vision for electric mobility and a conviction that combining our capabilities provides a rare opportunity to create a global, leading electric vehicle charging player uniquely positioned to offer customers very attractive charging and energy solutions.”

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