Founded in September 2002, CH4 invests in fallow fields in the North Sea gas basin and specialises in the recovery and development of marginal oil and gas assets.

The company first contacted 3i in March 2002 after reading a number of press reports about 3i's oil and gas portfolio. It was impressed by the work 3i had done for other oil and gas companies, including Highland Energy and Venture Production. Aside from providing start up capital, 3i has helped the company acquire a 25% stake in the Esmond Transportation System pipeline and a 37.5% operating interest in the Markham gas field. 3i also helped the management team with its pricing strategy and provided financial guarantees during the bidding process.