Veolia Welcomes CriteriaCaixa as Strategic Ally with 5% Stake Acquisition

In a strategic move that underscores its commitment to sustainable growth and ecological transformation, Veolia (Paris:VIE) has welcomed CriteriaCaixa, the investment company of "la Caixa" Foundation, as a strategic ally. CriteriaCaixa has announced its intention to acquire a 5% stake in Veolia Environnement, further strengthening the company's position as a global leader in ecological transformation. This alliance is set to create shared opportunities and have a very positive impact on the Group's development, as stated by Antoine Frérot, Chairman of Veolia Environnement.

CriteriaCaixa's investment in Veolia aligns with its strategic plan for 2025-2030, which prioritizes its role as a stabilizing agent of the economy. By acquiring a 5% stake in Veolia, CriteriaCaixa aims to diversify its portfolio, support strategic industries, and generate financial resources for social and philanthropic activities. This strategic alliance is a testament to Veolia's vision and strategic direction, particularly its GreenUp plan, which offers shareholders an investment profile with the opportunity of creating sustainable value.

As a strategic investor, CriteriaCaixa will support Veolia's strategic direction, governance, and independence, both on the Board of Directors and at the General Shareholders Meeting. Through its representation on Veolia's Board of Directors, CriteriaCaixa will be able to contribute meaningfully to the company's governance and long-term success. This collaboration is expected to create shared opportunities and have a very positive impact on the Group's development, as both companies look to innovate and drive sustainable growth.

The acquisition of a 5% stake in Veolia will reinforce CriteriaCaixa's diversified portfolio, combining relevant shareholdings in strategic sectors with a growing diversified investment portfolio. This investment is a major milestone in CriteriaCaixa's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes its role as a stabilizing agent of the economy. By investing in Veolia, CriteriaCaixa is demonstrating its commitment to companies in strategic industries such as banking, energy, telecommunications, and utilities, as well as promoting future industrial development through investment in new sectors and projects.

Isidro Fainé, Chairman of CriteriaCaixa, expressed his enthusiasm for the alliance: "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." This strategic alliance is a win-win situation for both companies, as they collaborate to drive sustainable growth and create shared opportunities.

In conclusion, Veolia's alliance with CriteriaCaixa is a strategic move that reinforces the company's position as a global leader in ecological transformation. With CriteriaCaixa's 5% stake acquisition and representation on the Board of Directors, both companies are poised to create shared opportunities and drive sustainable growth. This alliance is a testament to Veolia's vision and strategic direction, as well as CriteriaCaixa's commitment to supporting strategic industries and generating financial resources for social and philanthropic activities.