Andy Thomson

The fund has $107m of initial funding and, in exchange for the payment of premiums, will protect investors against unfavourable policy decisions affecting PPP projects.

Fund manager Meridiam Infrastructure has taken an 85% stake in a company that will finance, design and construct a cycling stadium in Paris. The firm had previously built a portfolio of European and North American road PPP assets since its launch in 2008.

A government minister has predicted that the year ahead will see high-speed rail projects in the UK gather momentum, as a landmark report on the sector is published.

In a swapping of assets, OTPP has acquired an additional stake in the UK’s Bristol Airport from MAp, while MAp has taken over OTPP’s remaining interest in Copenhagen Airport.

Macquarie Infrastructure Group’s proposal to divide itself into two listed groups separated according to risk profile has been recommended by the firm’s independent directors. It now moves on to a vote of security holders.

Following the exercise of a put option, the investment group formerly known as Macquarie Airports has increased its interest from 36% to 39%. MAp will pay €46m in cash for the additional stake.

It’s been a quiet couple of years for infrastructure investors in France, but the country now finds itself the focus of considerable expectation. As part of its stimulus package to deal with the global financial and economic crisis, the government introduced support for infrastructure projects which was designed to ease their flow through the pipeline. With a good legal framework, a sober approach to financing and increasing investor demand for exposure to the Eurozone, hopes of progress are high. But might optimism yet be frustrated by bureaucracy? Andy Thomson sought the views of five of France’s leading infrastructure practitioners.

Industry groups and experts continue to speak out against the European Commission's proposed alternative investment directive, arguing it would place an unfair burden on Europe’s private equity industry.

Industry groups and experts continue to speak out against the European Commission's proposed alternative investment directive, arguing it would place an unfair burden on Europe’s private equity industry.

Industry groups and experts continue to speak out against the European Commission's proposed alternative investment directive, arguing it would place an unfair burden on Europe’s private equity industry.