GP Investments took control of the company in May 2004, committing US$3.2 million in equity from its private equity funds and an additional US$8.5 million from co-investors.

  • Company Headquarters: Brazil
  • Business focus: Electricity distribution
  • Revenue: US$497 million

Impact Highlights

  • GP Investments structured a transaction that kept Equatorial Energia—the electricity distributor for one of Brazil’s poorest states— out of bankruptcy and oversaw the company’s transformation into an industry leader
  • GP Investments installed a new management team, including one of its own partners as CEO, and implemented a far-reaching turnaround plan that improved corporate governance, cut costs and enhanced service quality
  • Between 2005 and 2006, Equatorial Energia’s “Light for All Program” expanded electricity coverage to over 100,000 new households and businesses—benefiting over 500,000 residents