September 2013 Issue

In this regular section of the magazine, we take a look at the key public-private partnership developments from around the world over the last month.

Complicated structures, tight timetables, extensive financing needs…all things that will restrict the field of bidders. And that suits QIC just fine, insists Matina Papathanasiou.

The infrastructure investor base is changing in significant ways. Ritesh Prasad and Perry Clausen of Colonial First State Global Asset Management explore the trends.

Jeffrey Altman delves deep into how various technologies are changing the business models for many sectors.

With sales of existing assets as well as new developments, Oman is worth a second look according to Sohail Barkatali and Derek Kirton of Chadbourne & Parke.

The country plans to spend more than $121bn – together with the private sector – to modernise its logistics network over the next decades. Bruno Alves breaks down spending by sectors.

The Brazilian government outlined a whopping $121bn infrastructure programme late last year to overcome a 30-year logistics deficit. Bruno Alves finds out how recent protests have affected investor interest.

As much as he would like to avoid the description, there is no getting around it – when it comes to public-private partnerships, Virginia is a national leader. Tony Kinn, Director of the Office of Transportation Public-Private Partnerships (OTP3), tells Kalliope Gourntis how the US state got to the head of the class.

Jennifer Band of Evercore examines the increasing importance of a strong advisory function.

Infrastructure funds in India are finding it harder to justify their existence in an environment that increasingly favours direct investments. Michelle Phillips reports.

The biggest players in the infrastructure debt space are not raising funds, they are putting together management teams. Bruno Alves reports.

In the US, fundraising amounts and LP allocations both offer hints that infrastructure is in favour with institutions. But is too much faith being placed in future deal flow? Chris Glynn explores.

Despite strong interest in the asset class, infrastructure fundraising does not appear to be taking off. In part this reflects enthusiasm for low-cost options, reports Andy Thomson.

This month our readers tell us that only established players can raise big funds, argue that the European project bond market is not much good without projects, and give the thumbs-up to GDP-linked assets.

The government taking equity stakes is one of the reasons why John Laing has reservations about the UK’s new PF2 model. Derek Potts explains why, and also discusses the firm’s renewable energy push.

Traditionally, the two main infrastructure sectors - energy and transport – have seen roughly equal levels of deal activity. But our second-quarter league tables show all the money gravitating to energy.

Governments across Europe are still struggling with the cost of renewables, with Germany the latest country to emit worrying signals.

John Ryan of Greengate thinks unfunded pension liabilities could be the key to making private capital investment in US infrastructure acceptable.

Detroit is closer to a booby trap than a jackpot. P3 advocates should tread lightly.

America is slowly but surely taking its cue from Europe on airport PPPs, even if the same handicaps to privatisation remain. Chris Glynn reports.

The infrastructure asset class lacks standardisation in many respects. Investors, it seems, are not quite sure what to make of it.

A group of returned expatriates in Surat has partnered with local government to operate and maintain 12 toilet blocks.

This October, Team PEI will be running London’s Royal Parks half-marathon. Even a plodding Infrastructure Investor Editor has been persuaded to take part.

The contract for the Isle of Wight Highways PFI is being revisited – with a view to protecting wildlife.