EQT Infrastructure VI Achieves Hard-Cap Fundraising
EQT Infrastructure VI recently marked a significant milestone by successfully closing its fundraising efforts at the hard-cap of EUR 21.5 billion. This amount includes EUR 21.3 billion in fee-generating assets that the fund can manage. The conclusion of the fundraising effort far surpassed the initial target of EUR 20 billion, representing a 35% increase over the fund's predecessor, which reached EUR 15.7 billion in November 2021.
The success of this fund can be attributed to the support of a diverse range of institutional investors globally, comprising pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, asset managers, and insurance companies. Notably, a growing segment of private wealth investors participated in this round, emphasizing the fund's appeal across various investor types. Commitments came from regions including the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and the Nordics, showcasing a well-rounded international interest.
EQT Infrastructure VI builds upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor, EQT Value-Add Infrastructure, which has over 15 years of experience in investing in infrastructure companies. These companies provide essential services—underpinned by stable or growing demand, predictable cash flows, and robust business models.
The fund strategically invests in various themes such as:
- - Digital infrastructure development
- - Energy generation, storage, and distribution
- - Initiatives for decarbonization and electrification
- - Resource efficiency and circular economy projects
- - Investments in critical social infrastructure
Masoud Homayoun, the Head of Infrastructure at EQT, highlighted the positive momentum of EQT Infrastructure VI, stating that the fund has already closed or signed 12 thematic investments. He expressed excitement about the investing prospects driven by long-term global trends such as the transition to a decarbonized economy and the increasing digitalization of society.
Furthermore, Lennart Blecher, the Head of Real Assets at EQT, remarked on the rapid growth of EQT Infrastructure since its inception in 2008, emphasizing a team that has expanded to 130 members, implementing three investment strategies: Value-Add, Active Core, and the newly developed Transition Infrastructure strategy. He noted that the fund is an integral part of EQT's broader EUR 75 billion global infrastructure business and expressed anticipation for further growth.
Suzanne Donohoe, Chief Commercial Officer at EQT, acknowledged the longstanding support from existing clients, which constituted around 70% of the fund's total commitments. She indicated that EQT is committed to continuing to deliver attractive returns throughout various economic cycles, thanking new and existing partners for their trust.
EQT takes an industrial approach toward enhancing value in mature infrastructure firms, actively seeking partnerships with high-quality companies exhibiting robust and sustainable growth potential. The firm brings substantial operational expertise in digitalization and sustainability while leveraging its extensive network of industrial advisors. This includes over 600 seasoned business leaders and entrepreneurs who provide strategic operations support to the portfolio companies.
As of now, EQT Infrastructure VI is 45-50% committed, having closed ten investments across different companies. Among these are Constellation Cold Logistics, OX2, and Statera in Europe, collaborations with EdgeConnex and Arcwood Environmental in the US, and partnerships in the Asia Pacific region. Additionally, EQT has entered exclusive negotiations for acquiring a majority stake in a European ground station business and a joint venture with T-Mobile regarding Lumos in the US.
In conclusion, EQT Infrastructure VI's successful fundraising demonstrates the growing confidence of investors in infrastructure as a pivotal sector, reinforcing the fund's position as a leader in the global infrastructure investment space.