Veolia gains a key strategic partner as CriteriaCaixa acquires a 5% stake

Veolia has secured a strategic partner with CriteriaCaixa, the investment arm of la Caixa Foundation, which is set to acquire a 5% stake in the company. As part of this investment, CriteriaCaixa will also gain representation on Veolia’s Board of Directors under a stable shareholding and governance agreement.

The investment reflects CriteriaCaixa’s confidence in Veolia’s vision and strategic direction, particularly in its GreenUp plan, which offers shareholders an opportunity to generate sustainable value. The partnership is also aligned with Veolia’s core values, its global approach to operations, and its commitment to stakeholders, including employees and partners—especially within Spain, where the company is actively engaged.

At the upcoming General Shareholders Meeting, Veolia will propose a CriteriaCaixa representative for its Board of Directors. As a strategic investor, CriteriaCaixa will play an active role in supporting Veolia’s governance, independence, and long-term strategy, contributing both at the Board level and within the General Shareholders Meeting.

The 5% stake acquisition will further diversify CriteriaCaixa’s investment portfolio and marks a key milestone in its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan

The 5% stake acquisition will further diversify CriteriaCaixa’s investment portfolio and marks a key milestone in its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. This plan focuses on stabilizing economic sectors and reinforcing commitments in industries such as banking, energy, telecommunications, and utilities, while also fostering future industrial development through investments in emerging sectors and new projects.

Under the agreement, CriteriaCaixa’s stake in Veolia will be capped at 5.5%, with a commitment to holding its shares for at least two years.

Isidro Fainé, Chairman of CriteriaCaixa, stated: "We are very pleased to join forces with Veolia and to contribute to its future development. Our commitment and involvement in the success of this company will strengthen 'la Caixa' Foundation’s assets structure, with the aim of generating the necessary financial resources to further developing our social and philanthropic activity."

Antoine Frérot, Chairman of Veolia Environnement, added: "We are delighted to welcome our new shareholder CriteriaCaixa, a company that we know well, to our Board of Directors. Veolia is convinced that through this investment, the friendly commitment of this major ally in support of our strategic plan and our independence will create shared opportunities and have a very positive impact on the Group's development."

This strategic alliance reinforces Veolia’s growth trajectory while strengthening CriteriaCaixa’s role as a key player in sustainable and strategic investments.