Lazard Asset Management (LAM) announced that its Sustainable Private Infrastructure Fund (Lazard SPI Fund) has completed its second investment, taking a 50% stake in Newton-le-Willows based Shawton Energy Limited (Company), through its UK investment platform New Regions Energy.

LAM acquired the stake from Iona Capital.

“This is a strategic investment in Shawton Energy, a leading renewable technology developer and owner of rooftop solar PV projects for commercial and industrial clients across the UK,” said Lazard.

“Through this investment, the Lazard SPI Fund can secure interests in the company’s existing operational solar PV projects while gaining access to a robust pipeline of future projects.

“This partnership reflects the growing appeal of rooftop solar as a viable business solution for commercial and industrial clients.”

Robert Wall, Head of Sustainable Private Infrastructure at LAM, said: “We see tremendous potential in distributed, local and behind-the-meter renewable energy generation, such as anaerobic digestion, rooftop solar, and small-scale hydro.

“These technologies empower businesses to optimize their energy costs and carbon footprint while providing stable, diversified, and uncorrelated cash flows for investors.”

Jamie Shaw, Founder and Managing Director of Shawton Energy, said: “We look forward to partnering with Lazard Asset Management as an investor.

“By combining Shawton’s operational and project delivery with LAM’s unparalleled investment expertise, we will be able to help even more clients maximize energy efficiency as well as delivering growth to further scale our business.”

Shawton Energy said it will introduce Lazard Asset Management into the existing operational projects of the company, while continuing its work with Iona Capital to deliver more than £65 million of invested capital in solar PV works over the next five years.