SmartestEnergy, backed by Marubeni Corporation, has completed the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Factor Energia S.A. (Factorenergia) for €204 million, expanding its global footprint in the Iberian region and Latin America. The acquisition sees SmartestEnergy take an 85% majority shareholding in Factorenergia, with its founder and CEO, Emilio Rousaud, retaining a 15% stake, remaining CEO and joining SmartestEnergy’s Group Executive Committee.
The acquisition brings Factorenergia’s Iberian retail capabilities and innovation together with SmartestEnergy’s international trading strength and large-customer expertise, creating a platform to scale across new segments and territories. Factorenergia will continue to operate under its existing brand name and will maintain operational continuity, with no change to the high standard of service customers receive.
Headquartered in Barcelona and founded in 1999, Factorenergia is one of Spain’s leading independent electricity and gas suppliers and was the first independent supplier to operate in Spain’s liberalised electricity market. The company serves more than 300,000+ household and business customers, providing electricity and gas products and an expanding suite of services designed to support decarbonisation, including solar installations, battery storage and EV charging. International expansion has been a key driver of Factorenergia’s growth, with subsidiaries in Portugal, México, Chile and Brazil.
SmartestEnergy brings 25 years of trading and risk management experience across global markets, alongside proven expertise in serving large commercial and industrial (C&I) customers. The company has more than 900 employees across the UK, US and Australia, and currently holds 10% of the UK C&I retail market share and 9% of the UK renewable independent Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) market.
The transaction is backed by SmartestEnergy’s owner, Marubeni Corporation, and supported by its international presence. The acquisition further strengthens Marubeni’s Power & Infrastructure Services Division, driving value through renewable energy and flexible energy solutions for a net zero future. The acquisition of Factorenergia is a pivotal step in the expansion of the Power & Infrastructure Services Division, contributing to delivery of Marubeni Corporation’s GC2027 Mid-Term Management Strategy and growth targets.
Robert Groves, Group CEO at SmartestEnergy, said, “Factorenergia is a market leader in the Iberian region, recognised for its customer-focused approach, innovation and market expertise. We see a close fit between our organisations, particularly in how we serve customers and in our commitment to practical solutions that support the energy transition. With Marubeni’s backing, we have the capacity and reach to invest in growth, broaden our capabilities and build on Factorenergia’s momentum in Iberia and the Latin America.”
Emilio Rousaud, CEO at Factor Energia S.A., added, “Partnering with SmartestEnergy brings strategic support, sector expertise, and a shared commitment to sustainability, strengthening our position in Iberia and enabling expansion into other global markets. SmartestEnergy’s 25 years of trading experience, combined with its proven track record in serving large business energy customers, provides us with an exceptional foundation to accelerate growth. Together, we will create significant synergies and long-term value for our customers and stakeholders.”
Takafumi Shigemura, General Manager of the Power & Infrastructure Overseas Service Department at Marubeni Corporation, concluded, “This acquisition represents an important step in refining and expanding Marubeni’s strategic platform business in electricity wholesale and retail sectors, which is a key focus under our Mid-Term Management Strategy. With Marubeni’s robust financial backing and extensive global presence – and the expertise and proven track record SmartestEnergy has developed to date – we will contribute to the further growth of Factorenergia, delivering high value services that respond to diverse customer needs in Iberia and Latin America.”
