Be.EV acquires Mer’s UK public charging network

A Be.EV charging hub

A Be.EV charging hub

Chargepoint operator Be.EV has acquired Mer’s UK public charging network.

The acquisition adds more than 1,600 charging bays across over 450 sites to the Be.EV network. Be.EV now has total of over 2,500 bays and over 680 sites.

The deal significantly strengthens Be.EV’s presence across the South of England. The company’s network has, to date, been focussed in the North and Midlands.

Be.EV is majority owned by Octopus Energy Generation’s Sky Fund, which fund has raised over £2.5bn from institutional investors and invests in a globally diversified portfolio of renewable and energy infrastructure assets. 

Mer’s UK public charging assets will be fully integrated into the Be.EV network. The transaction excludes fleet operations.

Mer will now focus its public charging strategy on its core European markets, while continuing to operate its UK fleet charging network, including around 500 workplace chargers for employees and visitors.

Asif Ghafoor, Believ’s chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to bring Mer’s network into Be.EV and even more excited about what it means for drivers. People don’t want to think about charging — they just want it to work, wherever they are. 

“This acquisition brings the reliable Be.EV experience to more locations, and the scale we gain helps us keep charging affordable, including our off-peak and subscription pricing from 39p/kWh.

“It’s a natural fit with our network and sits alongside our continued investment in new sites and service improvements.”

Kristoffer Thoner, chief executive at Mer, said:  “We are pleased to see Mer’s UK public charging network join Be.EV, a company with a strong customer-centric approach and clear ambitions in public charging. This transaction supports Be.EV’s growth while allowing Mer to sharpen our strategic focus on our core European markets. Ultimately, both companies share the same goal – making EV charging simple and accessible for everyone.”

As a combined network, Be.EV expects to benefit from greater scale, including stronger buying power, more efficient operations and lower per-site overheads. The combined network will be supported by a streamlined team following completion.

Asif Ghafoor said: “These efficiencies support our next phase of sustainable growth while allowing continued investment in new locations. We plan to build on the strong network Mer has developed, with targeted upgrades and selective equipment replacements over time to further strengthen reliability and maintain the smooth charging experience drivers expect from Be.EV.

“We do not expect site closures as part of this acquisition. Our focus is on improving discoverability, reliability and customer experience by applying our operational and marketing approach across the expanded network.

Be.EV was advised by DLA Piper (legal), Alvarez & Marsal (finance and technical) and EY (tax). Mer was advised by BNP Paribas and Pinsent Masons.