Convinced of the impact of digital networks on regional attractiveness and economic development, Axione, a subsidiary of Bouygues Energies & Services (Bouygues Construction Group), and Mirova, a subsidiary of Natixis Investment Managers (BPCE Group), announced today that Mirova is acquiring a 49% stake in Axione through its general infrastructure funds 1. This strategic alliance will create a leader in financing, constructing, maintaining and operating very high speed infrastructures in France and other countries.

January 31, 2019 – The rollout of FTTH2 and new 4G and 5G radio networks calls for more and more industrial and financial know-how. A leading player in France’s very high speed broadband strategy, Axione has successfully developed a large number of shared optical fibre networks in rural areas, especially public initiative networks.
Axione is also increasingly establishing itself as a key partner of mobile operators in designing, rolling out and maintaining their networks. In December 2018, Axione and Mirova extended the model of shared FTTH infrastructure from rural areas to large French cities with the creation of the FTTH infrastructure operator, CityFast.

In view of the growth prospects of the digital infrastructure market and to ensure that Axione has all the resources it requires for its development in France and other countries, Mirova is acquiring a 49% interest in Axione through its general infrastructure funds. Bouygues Energies & Services (a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction) will remain the reference shareholder of Axione with a 51% stake, and will continue to provide operational support.

For the past ten years, Bouygues Energies & Services and Mirova, through its general infrastructure funds, have shared the conviction that open, shared digital infrastructures are the best way of meeting one of the essential needs of all regions. Axione is already committed to achieving as a minimum the installation and operation of 6 million FTTH sockets in France (equivalent to 13 million inhabitants), accessible by all operators, and representing an investment of over €3 billion.

About Axione:
Axione, a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction, is a major player in the planning and development of digital infrastructures for rural and urban communities. A leading player in France’s very high speed broadband strategy, Axione designs, builds, finances and operates new-generation shared digital infrastructure (FTTH, 4G, etc.) for its own projects and for those of local authorities and service operators. Within the context of public initiative networks, Axione operates in the following regions: Hauts-de-France, Brittany, Pays de la Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Bourgogne-Franche Comté, Occitanie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Normandy and Corsica. Roughly 150 partner operators use networks operated by Axione.
Find out more: www.axione.fr

About Bouygues Energies & Services:
Bouygues Energies & Services is a global player in energy, services and digital technologies. From engineering to operations, this Bouygues Construction subsidiary provides tailored solutions and services for infrastructures (energy, telecoms, transport), buildings and industry. Bouygues Energies & Services employs 13,000 people in France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada and Africa. It generated revenues of €2.6 billion in 2017.
Find out more: www.bouygues-es.fr

About Mirova:
Mirova is a fund manager focused on responsible investment. Its philosophy is based on the conviction that integrating sustainable development themes can generate solutions that create value for investors over the long term. As pioneers in many areas of sustainable finance, Mirova’s talents will continue to focus on innovating in order to offer customers high-impact solutions tailored to their needs. Mirova is a subsidiary of Natixis Investment Managers.
Find out more: www.mirova.com

1 FIDEPPP2, BTP Impact Local, Mirova Core Infrastructure Fund and Core Infrastructure Fund II
2 FTTH: “Fibre To The Home”

Press contacts:
Bouygues Energies & Services – Bouygues Construction Group:
Jessica Swiderski +33 1 3060 2805 j.swiderski@bouygues-construction.com
Axione:
Fiorine Thiebaut +33 1 7816 0184 fi.thiebaut@axione.fr
Mirova:
Margaux Béal +33 1 4450 5880 margaux.beal@shan.fr