The French investment company Ardian has successfully completed fundraising for its sixth infrastructure fund, Ardian Infrastructure Fund VI, reaching a record amount of $13.5 billion. Additionally, through co-investment mechanisms, the total amount raised for this strategy has reached $20 billion, marking the largest result for funds of this type. The new fund nearly doubled the previous version, which raised €6.1 billion (approximately $7.1 billion) in 2019.
This is reported by Finway
Growing Interest from U.S. and Asian Investors
Ardian Infrastructure Fund VI focuses on investments in the energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure sectors. There has been a particularly noticeable increase in interest from U.S. investors: their numbers have more than doubled, and their share in the fund’s structure now accounts for 14% of the total amount raised. In comparison, the previous fund attracted only about $1 billion from American investors.
The fund also received significant support from Asian investors, who contributed 32% of the total capital. For the first time, Ardian has engaged large Australian funds in collaboration, with their contribution amounting to nearly $900 million. The total number of limited partners has doubled compared to the previous fund, and existing investors have increased their commitments by an average of 40%.
Europe — A New Hub of Investment Activity
Amid global economic turbulence, private investment companies are increasingly viewing Europe as a promising market for investments. For example, Blackstone Inc. has announced its intention to invest up to $500 billion in Europe over the next decade, while Apollo Global Management Inc. plans to spend up to $100 billion solely on financing in Germany during the same period.
“Before Trump’s election, Europe was perceived by some investors as a continent with low growth and little interest. That is no longer the case,” said Matthias Burgardt, head of the infrastructure division at Ardian, in an interview.
According to Burgardt, assets in Europe, such as data centers, digital infrastructure, transportation, and energy transition, are currently very attractive, as their value is significantly lower than similar assets in the U.S. The increased demand for infrastructure investments is also explained by the fact that they are less sensitive to economic changes and market volatility. For example, this year EQT AB raised €21.5 billion for its new infrastructure fund.
Ardian has already invested over 40% of the new fund’s capital in strategic assets, including London Heathrow Airport (where the company is the largest shareholder), the Verne data center platform, waste recycling operator Attero, Irish energy company Energia Group, and renewable energy producer Akuo.
To date, Ardian manages assets worth $192 billion, approximately 20% of which is directed towards infrastructure projects in Europe and the U.S. In addition, the company administers a separate energy transition fund.
This week, Ardian, together with Finint Infrastructure, agreed to jointly acquire Milione SpA — the parent company of Save SpA, which manages Venice Marco Polo Airport, as well as airports in Verona, Treviso, and Brescia in northern Italy.