Ifremer invests in Kinéis: one more step for the creation of a digital ocean!
Ifremer has been supporting the development of CLS for more than 30 years in its use of space technology to serve the planet. Now, it sells its shares to CNP and invests in the company Kinéis. Through its contribution, Ifremer will participate in the deployment of the first constellation of nanosatellites by 2022. This system, at the cutting edge of space connectivity, will contribute to better understand, protect and sustainably manage the ocean.
New investor round for CLS
CLS, a company that develops solutions used to study and protect our planet and manage its resources sustainably, will benefit from renewed investment.
Ardian, a world leader in private investment, and Ifremer (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), have officially announced the sale of their minority shareholding to CNP (Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille), a Groupe Frère investment company. CNP thus acquires a majority stake in CLS, while the group’s founding institution, CNES, retains a significant minority interest.
CNES, Ardian, and Ifremer can be pleased with this outcome. With their support and the hard work of the teams at CLS, the company has pursued a robust development strategy over the last six years based on innovation, geographic expansion, five new acquisitions, and the creation of Kinéis, now Europe’s leading operator of a constellation of nanosatellites, bringing the group to 720 employees and nearly €135 million in turnover and doubling its profitability.
Ifremer invests in Kinéis: one more step for the creation of a digital ocean!
Kinéis has reached its capital-raising target of 100 million euros. CLS, CNES, Bpifrance, Ifremer, Thales, CELAD, BNP Paribas Développement, HEMERIA and other industrial and financial partners are investing in and supporting Kinéis' ambition to provide universal satellite connectivity. 25 nanosatellites will be added to complement the service which has been provided by the Argos system to scientific and environmental communities for more than 40 years. Kinéis will also develop its activity in the new markets opened up by the IoT.