Lucy Beacock, Author at DIF Capital Partners

13 January 2021 | London

DIF Capital Partners acquires additional stake in Dublin Waste to Energy PPP project

Following its initial investment in May 2019, DIF Capital Partners, through DIF Infrastructure V (“DIF”), is pleased to announce it has closed the acquisition of an additional 10% stake in the Dublin Waste to Energy PPP project (the “Project”). Together with its partner MEAG, DIF acquired the stake from the Green Investment Group (“GIG”). Following this transaction, DIF and MEAG together now hold 50% of the Project, with DIF holding the majority thereof. The Project is an operational waste to energy facility supported by a 45 year contract with Dublin City Council.

Located in Poolbeg, Dublin Port, the Project processes 600,000 tonnes of residual waste annually and generates electricity which is exported to Ireland’s national grid – sufficient to power 80,000 homes. The facility has been designed to provide highly efficient incineration and is classified as energy recovery in line with EU policy on waste. The Project is part of a wider Dublin regional waste management plan, which is aimed at reducing waste, maximizing recycling and generating energy from waste. The Project benefits from the Irish renewable energy feed-in tariff. The facility was constructed by Covanta who are also its long term operator.

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is a leading global independent fund manager, with €8.5 billion of assets under management across nine closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF Capital Partners invests in greenfield and operational infrastructure assets located primarily in Europe, the Americas and Australasia through two complementary strategies:

DIF Infrastructure funds target equity investments with long-term contracted or regulated income streams including public-private partnerships (PPP/PFI/P3), concessions, utilities, and (renewable) energy projects.
DIF CIF funds target equity investments in small to mid-sized economic infrastructure assets in the telecom, energy and transportation sectors.

DIF Capital Partners has a team of over 150 professionals, based in nine offices located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Paris, Santiago, Sydney and Toronto. Please visit www.dif.eu for further information.

Contact: Allard Ruijs, Partner; a.ruijs@dif.eu.

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1 July 2019 | Schiphol

DIF, Aberdeen Standard Investments and Local Pensions Partnership to acquire Elenia Heat

DIF Infrastructure V (“DIF”), SL Capital Infrastructure II (“ASI”) and Local Pensions Partnership Investments (“LPPI”) are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement to acquire 100% of Elenia Lampö Oy (“Elenia Heat”) from Elenia Oy.

Elenia Heat is the 9th largest district heating company in Finland. The company owns and operates 16 district heating networks across Finland with a total network length of 499km, via which it operates in 10 municipalities and serves approximately 85,000 end-customers. Elenia Heat also owns a gas distribution business, selling gas via 6 distribution networks. In addition, the company holds a 50% stake in Oriveden Aluelämpö Oy, a small district heating network in Central Finland in the city of Orivesi.

The consortium was advised by Jefferies as sole financial adviser.

About DIF

DIF is an independent infrastructure fund manager, with €5.6 billion of assets under management across seven closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF invests in greenfield and brownfield infrastructure assets located primarily in Europe, North America, South America and Australasia through two complementary strategies:

DIF Infrastructure V targets equity investments in public-private partnerships (PPP/PFI/P3), concessions, regulated assets and renewable energy projects with long-term contracted or regulated income streams that generate stable and predictable cash flows.
DIF Core Infrastructure Fund I targets equity investments in small to mid-sized infrastructure assets in the energy, transportation and telecom sectors with mid-term contracted income streams that generate stable and predictable cash flows.

DIF has a team of over 120 professionals, based in eight offices located in Schiphol (the Netherlands), Frankfurt, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Paris, Sydney and Toronto. Please visit www.dif.eu for further information.

Contact: Allard Ruijs, Partner; a.ruijs@dif.eu.

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1 July 2019 | Sydney

DIF consortium reaches financial close on Australian Cross River Rail PPP

DIF is pleased to announce that the PULSE consortium, comprising DIF Infrastructure V, Pacific Partnerships, BAM PPP PGGM and Ghella Investments & Partnerships, has reached financial close on the Tunnel, Stations & Development PPP package of the Cross River Rail project in Brisbane, Australia.

Cross River Rail is South East Queensland’s largest infrastructure project, with the consortium delivering the design, build, finance and maintenance of a new 10.2km rail line connecting the north and south of Brisbane, including twin 5.9km tunnels under the Brisbane River and central business district. The availability-based PPP package also includes the delivery of four new underground stations and maintenance works that will be provided for 24 years.

Design and construction works will be undertaken by CPB Contractors, BAM International, Ghella and UGL. In addition, UGL will be responsible for maintenance services. Construction is expected to commence later this year.

The State Government is providing a A$5.4 billion capital contribution for the construction of the project.

Marko Kremer, Partner and DIF’s Head of Australasia added: “DIF is excited to work with the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority to deliver Queensland’s highest priority infrastructure investment. This landmark project is truly city-changing and will enable higher frequency and better connected public transport across the network and unlock critical capacity on Brisbane’s constrained rail network, improving passenger comfort and service reliability.”

About DIF

DIF Infrastructure V targets equity investments in public-private partnerships (PPP/PFI/P3), concessions, regulated assets and renewable energy projects with long-term contracted or regulated income streams that generate stable and predictable cash flows.
DIF Core Infrastructure Fund I targets equity investments in small to mid-sized infrastructure assets in the energy, transportation and telecom sectors with mid-term contracted income streams that generate stable and predictable cash flows.

Contact: Allard Ruijs, Partner; a.ruijs@dif.eu.

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19 June 2019 | Santiago

DIF opens office in Santiago (Chile)

DIF is pleased to announce that it has opened an office in Santiago, Chile. From Santiago DIF will target Latin America with an initial focus predominantly on Chile and Uruguay.

The office will be headed by Daniel Aninat, who is hired as a Managing Director. Daniel came from Scotiabank, where he was heading the Chilean corporate banking division. Before that he was head of project and acquisition finance for Santander in Chile. Daniel has a broad experience in the Latin American infrastructure and power sectors. Furthermore Luis Hinojosa, Senior Director in DIF’s Madrid office, will relocate to Santiago. Luis is with DIF since 2015 and has a broad infrastructure experience, including in different Latin American countries.

Wim Blaasse, Managing Partner at DIF: “Latin America is a large and fast growing infrastructure market, in which we see several interesting investment opportunities across all our target sectors. We are delighted with this next step for DIF and further expand our global office network to nine offices, enabling us to better source and manage projects locally, as well as continue to construct diversified portfolios.”

About DIF

DIF Infrastructure V targets equity investments in public-private partnerships (PPP/PFI/P3), concessions, regulated assets and renewable energy projects with long-term contracted or regulated income streams that generate stable and predictable cash flows.
DIF Core Infrastructure Fund I targets equity investments in small to mid-sized infrastructure assets in the energy, transportation and telecom sectors with mid-term contracted income streams that generate stable and predictable cash flows.

Contact: Allard Ruijs, Partner; a.ruijs@dif.eu.

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12 June 2019 | Sydney

DIF to build Australian workers accommodation facility

DIF is pleased to announce that, together with its consortium partners, it has reached financial close on the Bay Village workers accommodation facility which will support the North West Shelf and Pluto LNG projects in Karratha, Western Australia.

The 15-year agreement includes the design, build, finance, operations and maintenance of a new 604-bed workers accommodation facility. Construction on the Bay Village facility will commence imminently, with operations expected to commence in mid-2020.

DIF Infrastructure V will be the 100% owner of the project, whilst design and construction works will be undertaken by Multiplex, and operations and maintenance services will be undertaken by Compass Group. The counterparties to the agreement are the North West Shelf and Pluto LNG projects, which are operated by Woodside, one of Australia’s largest natural gas producers.

BFIN (financial) and Corrs Chambers Westgarth (legal) advised the consortium. Financing was provided by Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

Marko Kremer, Partner and DIF’s Head of Australasia added: “DIF is excited to be working with the North West Shelf and Pluto LNG projects to support their ongoing operations and growth plans. We are pleased to be involved with these Woodside-led projects, with LNG being an important solution to achieving a lower emissions future.”

About DIF

DIF is an independent infrastructure fund manager, with €5.6 billion of assets under management across seven closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF invests in greenfield and brownfield infrastructure assets located primarily in Europe, North America and Australasia through two complementary strategies:

DIF Infrastructure V targets equity investments in public-private partnerships (PPP/PFI/P3), concessions, regulated assets and renewable energy projects with long-term contracted or regulated income streams that generate stable and predictable cash flows.
DIF Core Infrastructure Fund I targets equity investments in small to mid-sized infrastructure assets in the energy, transportation and telecom sectors with mid-term contracted income streams that generate stable and predictable cash flows.

Contact: Allard Ruijs, Partner; a.ruijs@dif.eu.

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15 February 2019 | Sydney

DIF, CIMIC Group and CAF consortium reaches financial close on Regional Rail PPP

DIF is pleased to announce that the Momentum Trains consortium, comprising DIF Infrastructure V, CIMIC Group companies Pacific Partnerships, UGL and CPB Contractors, and Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), has reached financial close on the Regional Rail design, build, finance and maintain project in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

The availability based contract with Transport for NSW includes delivery of a new regional rail fleet, along with a purpose built maintenance facility in Dubbo, New South Wales. The fleet will enter service progressively from 2023 and will deliver a new standard in reliability, safety and comfort for regional and interstate travellers.

Rolling stock manufacturer CAF, will be responsible for building 117 new rail cars which are based on its successful Civity platform. CAF, together with CPB Contractors, will develop the maintenance facility and UGL will be responsible for maintaining the fleet and maintenance facility for the initial 15-year concession.

Wim Blaasse, Managing Partner of DIF, says: “DIF is excited to invest in this significant rolling stock project which will deliver a high quality rail experience for interstate and regional travellers and commuters. This project is the result of our strong relationship with CIMIC Group and CAF.”

Marko Kremer, Partner and DIF’s Head of Australasia, adds: “DIF is delighted to be working in partnership with Transport for NSW on this major rolling stock project and contributing to the economic development of regional NSW. This new rolling stock fleet will deliver improved comfort and reliability, and make long distance travel on the east coast of Australia safer, faster and more convenient.”

The Momentum Trains consortium was advised by MUFG (financial) and Herbert Smith Freehills (legal).

About DIF
DIF is an independent infrastructure fund manager, with €5.6 billion of assets under management across seven closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF invests in greenfield and brownfield infrastructure assets located primarily in Europe, North America and Australasia through two complementary strategies:

DIF Infrastructure V targets equity investments in public-private partnerships (PPP/PFI/P3), concessions, regulated assets and renewable energy projects with long-term contracted or regulated income streams that generate stable and predictable cash flows.
DIF Core Infrastructure Fund I targets equity investments in small to mid-sized infrastructure assets in the energy, transportation and telecom sectors with mid-term contracted income streams that generate stable and predictable cash flows.

DIF has a team of over 115 professionals, based in eight offices located in Schiphol (the Netherlands), Frankfurt, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Paris, Sydney and Toronto. Please visit www.dif.eu for further information.

Contact:
Allard Ruijs, Partner
Email: a.ruijs@dif.eu

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1 August 2017 |

Allianz, EDF Invest and DIF acquire 6.94% in Autostrade per I’Italia

A consortium made up of Allianz, EDF Invest and DIF have completed the acquisition of a 6.94% stake in Autostrade per I’Italia, the largest Italian toll road network which is majority owned by Atlantia, the listed global operator of motorway and airport infrastructure. This is an increase from the binding agreement to acquire a 5% shareholding announced in April 2017 by use of a call option to acquire additional shares.

The consortium is comprised of long-term infrastructure investors Allianz Capital Partners on behalf of the Allianz Group (60%), EDF Invest (20%) and DIF (20%).

Autostrade per I’Italia is the largest toll motorway concession asset in Europe representing more than 50 percent of Italy’s toll motorway network, stretching some 3,000 km stretches across 16 Italian regions comprising 21 toll motorways which cover essential transport links mainly in the Northern part of Italy around the major economic urban areas as well as the two principal north-south routes, the A1 Milan-Naples and the A14 Bologna-Taranto.

Commenting on the closing of this deal, Christian Fingerle, Chief Investment Officer, at Allianz Capital Partners said, “This investment matches our strategy to deliver long-term benefits to our customers at Allianz. In addition to this, Autostrade per I’Italia has delivered outstanding economic benefits in Italy. We now look forward to working with Atlantia and our consortium partners to facilitate the continued delivery of high-quality service for motorists and commuters.”

Guillaume d’Engremont, Managing Director of EDF Invest said: “EDF Invest is very pleased to complement its portfolio through this investment in ASPI, alongside Tier 1 international investors, and under the continued management of our partner Atlantia.”

Wim Blaasse, Managing Partner of DIF said: “DIF is pleased to invest in this high quality and well diversified road network alongside our consortium partners and to establish this long-term relationship with Atlantia.”

For further information please contact:

DIF
Allard Ruijs
E mail: a.ruijs@dif.eu

Allianz Capital Partners
Stefanie Rupp-Menedetter
Tel: +49 89 3800 2743

EDF Invest
Mail: service-de-presse@edf.fr
Tel: +33 1 40 42 46 37

About DIF

DIF is an independent and specialist fund management company, managing funds of approximately €4.2 billion across seven closed-end investment funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF’s main funds target PPP / PFI / P3, regulated infrastructure assets and renewable energy projects in Europe, North America and Australasia. DIF has offices in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Luxembourg, Madrid, Toronto and Sydney. See also: www.dif.eu

About Allianz Capital Partners

Allianz Capital Partners is the Allianz Group’s in-house investment manager for alternative equity investments. With offices in Munich, London, New York and Singapore Allianz Capital Partners manages approximately EUR 18 billion of alternative assets. The investment focus is on infrastructure, renewables as well as private equity funds. ACP’s investment strategy is targeted to generate attractive, long-term and stable returns while diversifying the overall investment portfolio for the Allianz Group insurance companies. Allianz represents one of the world’s strongest financial communities, offering a broad range of insurance and asset management services. In 2016, Allianz employed around 140,000 staff in some 70 countries and achieved total revenues of 122.4 billion euros and an operating profit of 10.8 billion euros. Allianz Group managed an investment portfolio of around 653 billion euros. Additionally our asset managers Allianz GI and PIMCO managed 1.3 trillion euros of third party money. Allianz is active in a wide variety of sectors including real estate, infrastructure, renewable energy and equity and debt. Allianz’s long-term value strategies maximize risk-adjusted returns. See also: www.allianzcapitalpartners.com

About EDF Invest

EDF Invest is the unlisted investment arm of EDF’s Dedicated Assets, the asset portfolio which covers its long-term nuclear decommissioning commitments in France. EDF Invest manages a portfolio of over €4bn equity investments through three asset classes: infrastructure, real estate and private equity. The existing infrastructure portfolio includes stakes in RTE (the French electricity transmission company), Géosel (an oil storage company based in Manosque), Thyssengas (the third largest gas TSO in Germany), Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur (the second largest French airport operator, in joint control with Atlantia), TIGF (a gas transport and storage company operating in the South-West of France), Madrileña Red de Gas (the operator of the main gas distribution network in the region of Madrid) and Porterbrook (one of the three main rolling stock owning companies in the UK). See also: www.edfinvest.com

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21 June 2017 | Madrid

DIF acquires shadow toll road in Spain

DIF Infrastructure IV (“DIF”) is pleased to announce that it has acquired from OHL Concesiones (“OHL”) 45% of the shares in Autovía de Aragon, S.A, a shadow toll road linking the Madrid city center with Barajas airport (“Autovia de Aragon”).

In addition to DIF’s share, OHL will maintain its position as a significant industrial partner in Autovia de Aragon. TYPSA, a leading consulting engineering firm, will retain its 5% share in the company.

Autovia de Aragon is one of the main road accesses to Madrid and one of the alternatives that links the city center and the airport. The road is located in one of the most urbanized and industrial corridors linking Madrid’s urban center with Guadalajara. The 19-year concession started in 2007, (with end date December 2026) and operates the first section of the A-2 Motorway, which is the main connection between the cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

Autovia de Aragon is DIF’s first road investment in Spain following the acquisition of 6 PPP projects in other sectors. Long term financing is in place and provided by EIB, FMSW and ICO (Instituto de Crédito Oficial).

Fernando Moreno, DIF’s head of Spain, said: “DIF is very pleased to establish this long term partnership with OHL and invest in this high quality asset that will provide a strong return and steady cash yield for DIF’s investors”.

DIF was advised by Uría & Menéndez (legal), Garrigues (tax), PWC (model/financial) and Arup (traffic/technical).

DIF Profile

DIF is an independent and specialist fund management company, managing funds of approximately €4.2 billion. DIF invests in infrastructure assets that generate long term stable cash flows, including PPP / PFI / P3, regulated infrastructure assets and renewable energy projects in Europe, North America and Australia. DIF has offices in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Luxembourg, Madrid, Toronto and Sydney.

For more information, please contact:

Paul Nash, Partner
Email: p.nash@dif.eu

Allard Ruijs, Partner
Email: a.ruijs@dif.eu

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24 January 2017 | Paris

DIF completes the acquisition of a stake in the French A63 toll road

DIF Infrastructure IV is pleased to report that it closed the acquisition of a 9.22% stake in the A63 project, following the announced signing of the transaction almost a year ago.

The shareholding was acquired from Colas Sud Ouest and Spie Batignolles, two French construction companies that were part of the original design and building consortium. The transaction had been announced in February last year but remained subject to a number of conditions precedent, including third party consents.

The project is a 40-year toll concession to design, build, finance, operate and maintain an upgraded 104km section of the A63 highway between Salles and Saint-Geours-de-Maremne in southwest France. The project was fully commissioned in November 2013, seven months ahead of plan. The project’s senior debt was successfully refinanced with long term debt in June 2015.

DIF Profile

DIF is an independent and specialist infrastructure fund management company, managing funds of approximately €3.3 billion. DIF invests in infrastructure assets that generate long term stable cash flows, including PPP / PFI / P3, renewable energy assets and other core infrastructure assets in Europe, North America and Australia.

DIF has offices in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Luxembourg, Madrid, Toronto and Sydney.

For more information, please contact:

Paul Nash, Partner
Email: p.nash@dif.eu

Allard Ruijs, Partner
Email: a.ruijs@dif.eu

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9 January 2017 | Toronto

DIF completes the refinancing of a 30 MWac ground mounted solar PV portfolio

DIF has completed the refinancing of a portfolio of 3 operational, ground-mounted solar PV projects located in Ontario, Canada. The DIF Infrastructure III fund owns 100% of the projects, which commenced operations in 2014 and 2015. The projects sell power pursuant to 20 year feed-in-tariff contracts with the Independent Electricity System Operator (formerly known as the Ontario Power Authority).

Natixis New York Branch, acting as the sole mandated lead arranger, together with Samsung Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Migdal Insurance Company Ltd., Migdal Makefet Pension and Provident Funds Ltd., and Raymond James Banks, NA as lenders, provided approximately CAD$180 million of senior debt facilities to refinance the existing debt.

The lenders were advised by McCarthy Tetrault LLP (legal), DNV KEMA Renewables Inc. (technical), and Intech Risk Management Inc. (insurance). DIF was advised by Torys LLP (legal), KPMG (tax), Riverside Risk Advisors (hedging), Mazars (model audit) and LCN Legal (UK legal).

For more information, please contact:

Christopher Mansfield, Partner
Email: c.mansfield@dif.eu

Allard Ruijs, Partner
Email: a.ruijs@dif.eu