New owners for New Forests

MITSUI & CO AND NOMURA HOLDINGS have entered into an agreement to purchase a 100% shareholding of New Forests, global investment manager of nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies.

The agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval and expected to be completed by December 2022, will see Mitsui become a 49% shareholder and Nomura a 41% shareholder, with the remaining 10% shareholding retained by New Forests’ staff. Mitsui has been a shareholder in New Forests since 2016 and will increase its shareholding from approximately 23% to the 49%.

Mitsui and Nomura will provide capital to support New Forests’ strategic growth initiatives and the global expansion of its investment platform. In addition, New Forests will leverage Nomura’s global distribution network, particularly across Japan and more broadly in Asia.

Mitsui and Nomura share New Forests’ commitment to sustainability and vision to see investment in sustainable land use and forestry as central to the transition to a sustainable future – including addressing climate change and the conservation of nature; supporting the transition to a circular bio-economy; and contributing to the prosperity of communities where New Forests operates.

As part of this agreement, founder, CEO and Chairman David Brand will continue with New Forests until 30 June 2025 and focus on strategic initiatives and growth opportunities.

Mr Brand says, “New Forests has achieved a great deal over the past 17 years, growing institutional investment in the forestry asset class and re-imagining the investment opportunities in rural landscapes. The rising need to substantially increase investment in sustainable land use, along with increasing investor interest is creating an opportunity to accelerate the growth of New Forests.”