Mer completes UK fleet charging exit with management buyout

Mer has completed the divestment of its UK fleet charging business, Mer Fleet Services Ltd, following a management buyout.

The deal will see the business continue under the ownership of members of its existing management team, with Paul Winchester becoming Chief Executive Officer. He will be joined by Natasha Fry as Chief Commercial Officer, Jane Crosby as Chief Financial Officer, and Louise Gillingham as Chief Operating Officer.

For Mer, the sale forms part of a wider strategic shift away from the UK market. Earlier this year, the company also sold its UK public charging network to Be.EV, in a move that significantly expanded Be.EV’s footprint beyond the North of England.

Statkraft, the Norwegian owner of Mer, will now focus on its role as a public charge point operator in Norway, Sweden, Germany and Austria. It will continue to develop renewable energy projects in the UK under its parent brand, however. 

“We are proud of the progress Mer Fleet Services Ltd has made in recent years. We believe this transaction positions the business well for its next phase and we wish all the best for the future,” said Kristoffer Thoner, CEO of Mer.

Business as usual for fleet customers

Mer Fleet Services Ltd provides EV charging solutions for fleet customers, including the design, delivery and operation of charging infrastructure.

The company says customers and partners should not expect any disruption to ongoing operations, contracts or service delivery following the management buyout. A Transitional Services Agreement has also been put in place for a defined period to support the move to standalone ownership, covering key services, systems and processes while the business separates from Mer.

That continuity will likely be important for fleet operators, many of which are still navigating the practical challenges of electrification, from depot charging design to energy capacity and long-term operational costs.

“This is an important milestone for the business. With strong foundations in place, we are well positioned to continue delivering for customers and partners as we build on that momentum,” said Paul Winchester, CEO of Mer Fleet Services Ltd.

While the company is expected to continue operating as normal in the short term, changes to branding and digital channels are expected over time to reflect the new ownership structure.