Lhyfe Forms Partnership with Messer, Sells 30% Stake in Four Plants
French renewable hydrogen producer Lhyfe announced on July 13, 2026, a major partnership with Messer, the German industrial gas giant. The deal includes a multi-year supply contract and a 30% stake acquisition in four production facilities located in France and Germany.
A Three-Dimensional Agreement Involving Supply, Investment, and Expertise
Lhyfe and Messer have formalized a partnership that merges three dimensions. The supply contract spans 10 years and covers three French sites and one German site. Messer commits to a minimum volume starting in 2026, with a planned increase to several hundred tons per year, aiming to purchase 50% of the production from the three French sites involved. Concurrently, the German industrial gas giant acquires a 30% stake in the entity holding these four production assets. This investment validates the industrial quality and economic potential of the facilities developed by Lhyfe. Messer also brings its expertise gained over more than 125 years in safety, operations, logistics, packaging, and multi-gas distribution.
Secured Revenues and Initial Capital Rotation
This partnership strengthens Lhyfe's financial profile by securing recurring cash flows based on the long-term contract and minimum purchase commitment. The sale of a 30% stake in the entity holding the four sites also generates capital inflows. This transaction marks the group's first capital rotation, yet it retains majority control of the entity and remains the exclusive operator. Operational and management services continue to be billed by Lhyfe to the companies holding these assets. The group indicates that this transaction will allow it to focus its resources on the most advanced and value-creating projects.
Access to Certified Renewable Hydrogen for Industrial Decarbonization
Through this partnership, Messer secures long-term access to renewable hydrogen from several geographically dispersed sites in France and Germany, including hydrogen certified as RFNBO (the most demanding European standard). Integrating this volume into Messer's multi-gas offering enables it to meet the decarbonization needs of its existing industrial clients and attract new ones. The completion of the transaction is expected in the coming months and remains subject to the approval of lenders, in accordance with existing financing documentation.
