Frederic Michel-Verdier: A Visionary Leader in Sustainable Infrastructure Investments
Frederic Michel-Verdier is a renowned figure in the world of infrastructure investments and asset management. As the Founder and CEO of Fair Market Value Capital Partners, he has pioneered sustainable investments across key sectors, including transport & logistics, energy transition, telecommunications, environmental infrastructure, and essential services. His career trajectory, marked by strategic acquisitions and leadership in high-impact industries, has solidified his reputation as an industry expert.
In this article, we will delve into the professional journey of Frederic Michel-Verdier, his role in founding and leading Fair Market Value Capital Partners, and the lasting impact he has made on global infrastructure investment practices. Additionally, we will explore his contributions to PSA Italy and his influence in shaping the future of infrastructure investments.
Frederic Michel-Verdier: Early Career and Founding Fair Market Value Capital Partners
A Foundation Built on Expertise
Frederic Michel-Verdier’s career began in the early 1990s with Ernst & Young in Paris, where he honed his skills in financial audits and advisory services for large corporate clients. This formative experience laid the foundation for his later success in mergers, acquisitions, and investments. After several years at Ernst & Young, Michel-Verdier transitioned to Société Générale Corporate and Investment Banking, where he served as Vice President in the Mergers & Acquisitions division. His role at Société Générale allowed him to lead key M&A transactions across energy, industrial, and financial services sectors, which refined his strategic thinking and deal-making capabilities.
By 2000, Frederic Michel-Verdier joined ING Barings, a major investment banking institution, where he played a crucial role in executing complex cross-border M&A, IPO, and LBO transactions in Europe. His leadership in these transactions across the infrastructure, utilities, and energy industries solidified his reputation in the global financial markets.
The Birth of Fair Market Value Capital Partners
In 2020, after more than two decades of successful leadership in M&A and corporate finance, Frederic Michel-Verdier took a significant step toward realizing his vision for sustainable infrastructure investments. He founded Fair Market Value Capital Partners, an asset management firm dedicated to creating long-term value through investments in core+ infrastructure sectors. The firm’s mission is to strategically identify and acquire assets that not only promise financial returns but also contribute to environmental sustainability and societal growth.
Fair Market Value Capital Partners focuses on high-impact industries, including transport & logistics, energy transition, telecommunications, and environmental infrastructure. Under Michel-Verdier’s leadership, the firm adopts a hands-on approach to asset management, working closely with in-house industry experts and senior advisors to drive operational improvements and maximize asset performance. This proactive strategy ensures that investments align with global infrastructure trends while delivering sustainable returns to institutional investors.
Key Contributions and Strategic Leadership
PSA Italy and Strategic Acquisitions
Frederic Michel-Verdier’s expertise extends to the maritime and logistics sectors, where his leadership has been instrumental in strategic acquisitions and partnerships. A notable example of his influence is the successful acquisition of a 28% stake in PSA Italy’s terminals, including PSA Genova Pra’, PSA SECH (Genoa), and PSA Venice (Vecon). This acquisition, carried out in collaboration with TD Asset Management, has significantly enhanced PSA Italy’s operational capacity, improving logistics efficiency and connectivity across the Mediterranean region.
Michel-Verdier’s strategic oversight in the PSA Italy project involved optimizing port operations, enhancing logistics efficiency, and strengthening the terminals’ position in the global supply chain. His deep understanding of the port industry allowed him to integrate sustainable growth initiatives and promote operational improvements, which have had a lasting positive impact on the Mediterranean logistics hub.
Board Memberships and Governance
Throughout his career, Michel-Verdier has also contributed significantly to corporate governance. As a member of the board of directors for several major infrastructure projects, including Veolia Energia Warszawa, Mersin International Port (MIP), and Aqualia, he has provided strategic guidance that has shaped the growth and sustainability of these critical infrastructure assets. His oversight has focused on optimizing network performance, integrating ESG policies, and ensuring long-term profitability.
Michel-Verdier’s leadership at Mersin International Port, a key container port in the Mediterranean, involved overseeing a $870 million investment that positioned the port as a critical player in Turkey’s maritime infrastructure. Similarly, his role at Aqualia, Europe’s fourth-largest private water company, saw him steer strategic initiatives aimed at international expansion and sustainable water management practices.
Sustainability and ESG Integration
A Commitment to Sustainable Growth
One of Frederic Michel-Verdier’s core beliefs is that infrastructure investments must not only be financially sound but also environmentally responsible. This vision is reflected in the operations of Fair Market Value Capital Partners, which integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of its investment strategy.
Under Michel-Verdier’s leadership, the firm has focused on acquiring assets that contribute to the global transition toward clean energy, sustainable transport, and improved infrastructure resilience. This approach ensures that the firm’s investments are aligned with the global sustainability agenda, addressing critical infrastructure challenges while fostering long-term growth.
Energy Transition and Renewable Energy Investments
A key aspect of Michel-Verdier’s leadership at Fair Market Value Capital Partners has been the firm’s commitment to the energy transition. This involves making investments in renewable energy infrastructure and sustainable utilities that can support the transition away from fossil fuels. The firm has targeted sectors such as wind and solar energy, which are poised to play an essential role in the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
In addition to energy transition investments, Michel-Verdier has also championed the integration of renewable energy sources in the firms’ broader infrastructure portfolio. These efforts contribute to reducing carbon footprints and enhancing the sustainability of essential services like water and waste management.
A Vision for the Future
Global Impact and Future Opportunities
As the world faces increasing challenges related to climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity, the demand for sustainable infrastructure investments will only grow. Frederic Michel-Verdier’s approach at Fair Market Value Capital Partners positions the firm to capitalize on these opportunities while contributing to the global need for sustainable, resilient infrastructure.
Looking ahead, Michel-Verdier plans to continue expanding the firm’s portfolio by focusing on high-impact sectors that drive long-term economic and societal growth. His vision includes creating infrastructure solutions that not only meet the needs of today’s communities but also unlock opportunities for future generations.
Conclusion
Frederic Michel-Verdier is a visionary leader whose strategic investments and commitment to sustainability have had a profound impact on the global infrastructure sector. As the Founder and CEO of Fair Market Value Capital Partners, he has pioneered a new era of infrastructure investment, one that prioritizes long-term value creation, environmental responsibility, and societal impact. His leadership in PSA Italy, successful acquisitions in the maritime and energy sectors, and commitment to ESG principles exemplify his dedication to shaping a sustainable future.
With his extensive experience and forward-thinking approach, Frederic Michel-Verdier is well-positioned to continue driving innovation and positive change in the infrastructure investment landscape for years to come.
