April 7, 2022

By Lynda Kiernan-Stone, Global AgInvesting Media

Power Sustainable is a global, multi-platform alternative asset manager with offices in Canada, China, and the U.S. investing in companies working toward decarbonization, social progress, quality growth, and ultimately the delivery of returns. 

With CAD$4.2 billion (US$3.34 billion) in AUM, Power Sustainable has been deploying patient capital in a purposeful manner in infrastructure, private equity, and public equities, and is now announcing the launch of a new investment platform to support and invest in growth-oriented, mid-market companies throughout the food value chain that are driving positive change. 

This strategy was originated by Lios Partners, led by Johathan Belair, Craig Hanna, and James Rickert, who will now join Power Sustainable to accelerate the strategy under the name Power Sustainable Lios. 

“It is with great enthusiasm that we are expanding our sustainable investment practice to the agri-food sector,” said Oliver Desmarais, chairman and CEO, Power Sustainable. “By partnering with this accomplished team, we gain significant industry expertise and build on shared values to support the next generation of companies leading the transformation of our global food system.”

As climate change intensifies, the need and demand for greater sustainability continues to grow. And as conditions become more complex, and the pandemic brings to light how critical it is to care for the planet and its people, sustainability is not so much a buzzword or an option any longer, but a necessity.

As we face unprecedented challenges in feeding a growing global population, while also trying to mitigate the negative environmental effects of doing so, sustainability has become foremost in the minds of agricultural producers, investors, and consumers.

Power Sustainable Lios noted that the combined sourcing and execution capabilities of its team with Power Sustainable’s institutional backing uniquely position Power Sustainable Lios to support and grow agri-food companies through this evolution while also generating long-term value for stakeholders.

“Companies that are embracing and integrating sustainability practices in their business models will lead the transformation of our global food system,” said Jonathan Belair, managing partner, Power Sustainable Lios, explaining, “Competitive advantage can be built by creating resiliency, lowering supply chain risk, reducing environmental impact, and adapting to stakeholders’ evolving priorities.”

Power Sustainable Lios stated that it already has substantial capital commitments for its Fund I from numerous leading North American institutions, and an initial closing is expected to happen in Q2 2022.

Desmarais commented, “Together, we will tackle some of the industry’s most pressing social and environmental issues, while aiming for attractive risk adjusted returns and positive societal impact.”

“We are excited to be a part of the Power Sustainable family,” added Belair, “whose commitment to champion sustainable projects for the benefit of society is in clear alignment with ours.”

~ Lynda Kiernan-Stone is editor with GAI Media, and is managing editor and daily contributor for Global AgInvesting’s AgInvesting Weekly News and  Agtech Intel News, as well as HighQuest Group’s Unconventional Ag. She can be reached at lkiernan-stone@globalaginvesting.com.

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