The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) has announced its acquisition of a significant minority stake in the French outdoor accommodation firm, the European Camping Group (ECG). This transaction was executed through a wholly owned subsidiary of Adia, although the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, as reported by Khaleej Times.

As part of this arrangement, PAI Partners, a private equity firm based in France, will sell its minority stake in ECG while retaining majority ownership. The completion of this transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2025.

PAI Partners originally invested in ECG in 2021, focusing on enhancing the facilities and amenities across the group’s sites and mobile-home fleet. In 2023, PAI expanded its involvement by acquiring VacanceSelect, further integrating various European campsite and mobile-home operators into the ECG portfolio.

Currently, ECG operates in 11 European countries with its leading brands, Eurocamp and Homair. The strategic investment by Adia aligns with its growing interest in European markets, which now comprise 22 percent of its overall portfolio, making Europe the second-largest region for Adia after Asia Pacific, which accounts for 38 percent.

Adia, which manages nearly $1.06 trillion in assets, has recently increased its financial commitments in Europe. This includes a recent investment in Cheyne Capital’s real estate private credit strategy, targeting senior lending against European real estate, raising Cheyne’s total commitment to $836 million.

In June, Adia also acted as an anchor investor in Pemberton Asset Management’s NAV strategic financing strategy, which helped push the initiative’s first close to over $1 billion.

Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, executive director of the private equities department at Adia, expressed praise for ECG’s establishment as a leading player in the outdoor accommodation sector. He stated that the investment, alongside a proven partner in PAI, aims to support and accelerate the growth of the business.

Bertrand Monier, a partner at PAI, highlighted ECG’s position as a market leader, noting the substantial investment and exceptional management propelling its success. He remarked, “We are delighted to welcome Adia as our fellow shareholder for the next stage of growth, sharing our vision for ECG and the opportunities to build on its success.”

ECG CEO Sébastien Manceau conveyed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating that welcoming Adia as an investor alongside PAI will support their growth trajectory and strengthen their leadership in the European outdoor accommodation market. He expressed optimism about pursuing geographic diversification and focusing on operational improvements to achieve their full potential.

As Adia continues to expand its presence in Europe, this investment in ECG reflects its strategic approach to identifying and backing high-potential businesses across various sectors.