Empresas y finanzas

Strategically Expanding in Wind Energy, Theolia and GE Energy Financial Services Enter into a Value-Creating Development and Financial Alliance



    Theolia announced today an agreement with GE Energy Financial
    Services, the energy investing unit of GE (NYSE:GE), which will
    significantly increase Theolia's wind generation portfolio in Europe,
    bring additional capital to fund growth, and include an alliance
    anticipated to bring access to additional wind project development
    opportunities and structured capital expertise.

    In an assets-for-equity swap, Theolia will acquire GE Energy
    Financial Services' European wind farms, which have a total power
    generation capacity of 165 megawatts. In return for the contribution
    of its wind farms to Theolia, GE Energy Financial Services will
    receive 5,250,000 new shares of Theolia. Through this transaction,
    Theolia materially strengthens its operating position in the German
    market and gives Natenco, Theolia's subsidiary in Germany, additional
    growth potential.

    In addition, GE Energy Financial Services will support
    Theolia's ambitious growth strategy by way of a capital contribution
    of EUR 20 million in return for 1,212,000 new shares and, as part of
    the agreement, will also be granted warrants to acquire 3,000,000
    additional Theolia shares. As a result, GE Energy Financial Services
    will have the opportunity to increase its ownership in Theolia up to
    22 percent of the company's share capital on a fully diluted basis.

    GE Energy Financial Services' German wind farms

    GE Energy Financial Services' German wind parks, located at
    Alsleben, Krusemark, Grossvargula and Zabelsdorf, have a total
    installed capacity of 165 MW. They are composed of 66 REpower 1.5 MW
    turbines and of 44 GE 1.5 MW turbines. This combined portfolio
    produces enough power to provide for the needs of 70,000 homes and
    reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 350,000 tons a year, compared to
    fossil fuel power generation.

    A value-creating combination

    Theolia and GE Energy Financial Services will work together on a
    number of fronts to bring additional value to both parties. In wind
    farm development, GE Energy Financial Services will work with Theolia
    on a preferential basis in the European Union to bring additional
    growth opportunities to Theolia. Theolia will also benefit from GE
    Energy Financial Services' energy industry and financial structuring
    expertise as well as access to project finance and GE's energy
    products and services.

    GE Energy Financial Services will be represented on the Board of
    Theolia.

    The alliance with Theolia benefits GE Energy Financial Services by
    providing investment exposure to existing and future development
    projects with the potential for significant financial benefits, as
    well as access to an experienced management team specialized in the
    growing European renewable energy market.

    Jean-Marie SANTANDER, President and CEO of Theolia declared: "I am
    very happy about this new alliance. Our company, created in Aix en
    Provence, started by developing energy projects in France. We then
    acquired Ventura, the first significant step in the expansion of the
    company. This was followed by our transfer to Eurolist and the
    acquisition of Natenco in Germany, which transformed Theolia into a
    leading European wind farm operator. This new alliance with GE now
    brings an added dimension to our company. I am very pleased with this
    new transaction and am convinced that it will enhance the
    value-creating potential of Theolia for the benefit of all its
    shareholders."

    Alex Urquhart, President and CEO of GE Energy Financial Services,
    said: "This transaction further extends our commitment to the
    renewable energy sector in Europe. Theolia is well positioned to
    capitalize on opportunities in the rapidly growing European renewable
    energy sector and our collaboration with Theolia is a strong fit with
    GE Energy Financial Services' growth strategy for Europe. We are
    delighted to forge a close working relationship with Theolia, which we
    believe will be mutually beneficial."

    Theolia was advised by Societe Generale on this transaction. GE
    Energy Financial Services was advised by Rothschild.

    This acquisition is subject to a number of conditions precedent,
    including relevant corporate and regulatory approvals. A "document E"
    will be filed with the French stock exchange authority in connection
    with this transaction.

    Theolia will file a prospectus in relation to the recent PACEO
    share issues and the acquisition of Natenco.

    About Theolia

    Theolia is a leading independent developer of wind farms in France
    with a growing presence in renewable energy production across Europe.
    Through the acquisition of GE Energy Financial Services' wind farms in
    Germany, Theolia significantly increases its installed capacity from
    78MW to 243MW. Theolia's activities cover the development,
    construction and management of wind farms. The company is present in
    France, Germany, Spain, Greece, Eastern Europe, India and Brazil.
    Theolia is listed on Euronext Paris (Eurolist B) under the code TEO.
    For more information, visit: www.theolia.com

    About GE Energy Financial Services

    GE Energy Financial Services' 300 experts invest globally with a
    long-term view, across the capital spectrum and the energy and water
    industries, to help their customers and GE grow. With US$13 billion in
    assets, GE Energy Financial Services, based in Stamford, Connecticut,
    and with European offices in London, Paris and Frankfurt, invests more
    than US$5 billion annually in two of the world's most
    capital-intensive industries, energy and water. In renewable energy,
    GE Energy Financial Services has developed a strong record investing
    in wind, solar, biomass, hydro and geothermal power, and is growing
    its portfolio of more than US$1.75 billion in renewable energy assets.
    For more information: www.geenergyfinancialservices.com.

    About GE

    GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work -- a diversified technology,
    media and financial services company focused on solving some of the
    world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from
    aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security
    technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media
    content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100
    countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more
    information, visit www.ge.com.