December / January 2013 Issue
PPP round-up
We take a look at the key public-private partnership developments from around the world over the last month.
Direct investors: the relentless march
Those funds which felt direct investors were not a threat a few years back may now be revising their opinions. By Andy Thomson.
The search for the right structure
Alceda’s Michael Sanders examines how investors can benefit from innovative financing in the real asset space.
The devil is in the detail
While both the public and private sectors readily agree that US infrastructure is in dire need of investment, figuring out how best to co-operate with each other is tricky. Kalliope Gourntis reports.
‘You need a strong partner at the asset level’
CapAsia’s Johan Bastin identifies the investment characteristics of the Southeast Asian region.
Don’t mess with Texas
Tea Party-flavoured political activism is dogging SH 130 in Texas, setting the stage for a larger grassroots fight against PPPs in America.
Eastern promise
Central and Eastern European states are making progress towards sounder PPP frameworks. But hard work still lies ahead, writes Matthieu Favas.
The Italian job
As it seeks to haul itself out of recession, Italy is hoping that infrastructure investment can play a part.
When it rains it pours…
Or so it seemed, with three very interesting infrastructure events filling our calendars.
The banks will pay
Former President Bill Clinton has suggested a novel way of funding the US’ infrastructure requirement.
The II 30: What qualifies and what does not
In the following two pages, we explain how we put together the II 30
The elite three
Brookfield and GIP have emerged as threats to Macquarie’s longstanding dominance as the world’s infrastructure investment giant. Andy Thomson reports
Electricity Capacity Markets: Beware an electric shock
The arrival of capacity markets in Europe could materially impact investor returns. Simon Monk of IPA Energy + Water Economics explores the issues.
A bumpy road
Asia’s demand for transport infrastructure is huge, but under-developed regulatory regimes and concessionary frameworks have been pushing investors away. Michelle Phillips reports
UK Infrastructure: Answering the overcrowding conundrum
Iain Coucher of Alvarez & Marsal (and former CEO of Network Rail) urges some innovative thinking to cure the UK’s infrastructure challenges, including a serious commitment to affordable housing.
Ingredients for a healthy market
While governments and banks wrestle with economic pressures and increasing regulation, institutional investors are helping to bridge the gap in project funding, says S&P’s Michael Wilkins. But a thriving project bond market will require changes
A safe port in a storm
How Deutsche Bank’s infrastructure investment business guided the UK’s Peel Ports through the global financial crisis.
Something old, something new
While infrastructure debt is not new to the banking community – banks have been active in project finance for the past three decades – it is new to institutional investors. Kalliope Gourntis finds out why pension funds should get to know the asset class better
Yielding fruit
As institutional investors progress along the learning curve, they’re deploying more capital in infrastructure debt. Matthieu Favas discovers why the market should keep maturing over the coming year
As recession fades, threats remain
A collection of European fund management professionals gathered in London to share views on prospects in the region. While better news is being seen on the economic front, talk of regulation and direct investment triggers furrowed brows. Andy Thomson reports.
Company man
Brookfield in 2013 closed the second-largest infrastructure fund ever raised. But for Sam Pollock, attention-seeking and self-promotion aren’t part of the programme. Chris Glynn reports on the collective effort and thinking behind the $7bn BIF II.
The Infrastructure Investor 30: 2013
Welcome to our fourth Infrastructure Investor 30 ranking of the world’s largest infrastructure investors – and welcome also to a new way of doing things.
UK in perspective: The view from Westminster
Politicians and investors can sometimes seem worlds apart – to the detriment of both. Infrastructure Investor brought them together to discuss some of the most important trends shaping the scene in the UK.