Believ Acquires Public EV Charging: SMS Deal.
Believ, a charge point operator, has made a strategic move by partnering with energy infrastructure company Smart Metering Systems. The exciting partnership was solidified through the acquisition of SMS’ Public EV Charging Business. This collaboration brings together the expertise of both companies, leveraging SMS’ extensive experience in low-carbon energy infrastructure alongside Believ’s proven capabilities in EV charging.
The collaboration will benefit from SMS’ wealth of knowledge in metering, power network design, delivery, and energy services. Believ, on the other hand, offers expertise in charge point network deployment, operation, maintenance, and communication networking through its delivery partner, Virgin Media O2.
Backing Believ’s financial stability are Liberty Global and Zouk Capital, providing much-needed confidence to EV charging site providers. This backing makes the partnership with SMS possible and sets the stage for continued growth and innovation in the EV charging sector.
According to Believ, the acquisition of SMS’ Public EV Charging Business will expand its reach to new heights. SMS’ established national footprint and strong relationships with landowners in retail, hospitality, and parking sectors will enhance Believ’s ability to offer a best-in-class EV charging experience for both drivers and site providers.
With nearly 1,700 charge points in operation across 547 UK locations, Believ is already making significant strides in the EV charging industry. The partnership with SMS will see the integration of 10 SMS employees into the Believ team. Additionally, new offices are set to open in Wales and Scotland as part of Believ’s expansion strategy across the UK.
Guy Bartlett, CEO of Believ, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration combines the perfect blend of skills and expertise to accelerate the scale and pace of EV infrastructure deployment in the UK. We are committed to delivering EV charging infrastructure of the highest standards to meet the needs of the growing number of EV drivers.”
Tim Mortlock, CEO at SMS, also shared his thoughts on the partnership, highlighting Believ’s significant financial backing and specialized experience in EV charging. Mortlock emphasized that by joining forces, the two companies can enhance their services and provide greater value to customers across various market segments.
With both companies committed to sustainable energy solutions, the partnership between Believ and Smart Metering Systems signals a promising future for EV charging infrastructure in the UK. By leveraging their respective strengths, the collaboration aims to meet the increasing demand for reliable, efficient, and widespread EV charging facilities.
Image courtesy of Believ (Left: Eugenio Herrero Galdon, Managing Director of Public EV Charging Infrastructure, SMS PLC pictured with Guy Bartlett, CEO at Believ, right)