Even though mergers and acquisitions activity has slowed down significantly as a result of COVID-19, Diversified Communications announced yesterday it had acquired Energy Storage North America (ESNA) from producer ESNA EXPO LLC.

The investment not only grows Diversified Communications’ portfolio of events for the renewable energy industry, but also reinforces its commitment to supporting the new energy economy.

In addition to acquiring three of the leading solar + energy storage industry events from the Intersolar portfolio last year, Diversified Communications also owns and operates a 1.5 Megawatt solar farm in Brunswick, Maine.

"Renewable energy production and energy storage is critical to the world’s transition to a low carbon energy system and we continue to be focused on making investments in that space,” said Oakley Dyer, corporate vice president of strategy and corporate development at Diversified Communications.

Dyer added, “Following the acquisition of Intersolar North America last year and now ESNA, we will be looking for other acquisition opportunities in the near and long-term."

During the past two years, energy storage has accounted for more than 30 percent of the exhibition segments at Intersolar North America. During that same period, the conference program has increased the number of educational sessions available to address growing demand.

“We’re excited to add ESNA as a co-located event with Intersolar North America next year,” said Wes Doane, Intersolar North America event director.

He added, “Their unification reflects the consolidation occurring across the board as the solar, energy storage, and e-mobility industries mature–and improves our competitive advantage in a fast-moving marketplace. ISNA and ESNA attendees will now benefit through access to best-in-class content, an innovative and larger exhibition, and an ever-expanding networking platform.”

Janice Lin, ESNA co-founder and chair, said, “Energy storage is the perfect complement to renewables like solar–and it makes sense to bring together the market makers from both sectors at one convening. We are excited to partner with Diversified Communications for the next stage of ESNA’s growth; their commitment to clean energy and extensive expertise in conference management and education will amplify ESNA’s ability to educate and inspire our stakeholders to advance clean energy market transformation with energy storage.”

Lin also is the founder and CEO of Strategen, a mission-driven professional services company that specializes in impactful market development for a decarbonized grid.

Corporate Solutions of Westport, Connecticut was the exclusive advisor to ESNA EXPO LLC in arranging, structuring and negotiating this transaction.

Energy Storage North America will join Intersolar North America at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA next January 12-14, 2021. Additional information will be released in the weeks to come.