Partners Group is financing a rail link in Australia as part of an international consortium.
The Swiss-based investment manager said it would provide long-term equity financing on Sydney’s northwest rail link. According to Australian media reports, the 36km project is costing AUD8.3bn (€5.7bn).
Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation, Australia’s Leighton Contractors, John Holland, UGL Rail Services and the Plenary Group are also in the consortium.
Benjamin Haan, managing director in Partners Group’s private infrastructure said Australia was “highly appealing” for its long-term investments and mature and transparent PPP framework.
“The project will secure our clients further exposure to this attractive market,” Haan said.
Partners, which has been investing infrastructure since 2001, said financing of the project includes a “significant capital contribution” from the New South Wales State Government during construction. Trains are due to begin running in 2019 on the new line, which includes 15km of tunnels. Contracts were awarded by New South Wales earlier this week.
Palisade Investment Partners is also provding equity for the project, while ANZ, National Australia Bank and Westpac are lending, along with Standard Chartered, HSBC Holdings and ING.
The Australian government is planning to invest AUD125bn in infrastructure by 2020.
