3i Group plc (“3i”) today announces the first close of the 3i European Operational Projects Fund (the "Fund").

3i Group plc (“3i”) today announces the first close of the 3i European Operational Projects Fund (the "Fund"), with €155 million raised from a number of European investors, including a commitment of €40m from 3i.

The Fund will invest in operational PPP projects across Europe, with a focus on France, the Benelux, Germany, Italy and Iberia and sub-sectors such as social infrastructure and transportation. It aims to provide long-term yield to institutional investors. The Fund will acquire a seed portfolio of 11 operational projects, generating immediate yield for investors.

The Fund is managed by 3i’s infrastructure team, one of the largest and most experienced in Europe. Since 1998, 3i’s infrastructure team has invested a total of c. £2 billion in 260 PPP projects across Europe and has built many longstanding relationships with major construction companies, operators and utilities across the continent. In total, 3i now manages or advises c£3.5bn of infrastructure assets across six investment vehicles.

Phil White, Managing Partner and Head of Infrastructure, commented:

“This new fund extends our infrastructure activities and builds on our prior success in PPP and concession projects. We believe the European operational PPP market presents a compelling investment opportunity for institutional investors seeking long-term yield. We are very pleased with the interest received so far from both new and existing 3i investors.”

-Ends-

Download this press release  

For further information, contact:

3i Group plc
Silvia Santoro
Shareholder enquiries
Tel: +44 20 7975 3258
Email: silvia.santoro@3i.com

Kathryn van der Kroft
Media enquiries
Tel: +44 20 7975 3021
Email: kathryn.vanderkroft@3i.com

Notes to editors:

About 3i Group
3i is a leading international investment manager focused on mid-market Private Equity and Infrastructure. Its core investment markets are northern Europe and North America. For further information, please visit: www.3i.com.

About 3i’s Infrastructure business
3i is a leading European infrastructure investor, with a track record of investing in infrastructure since 1987. The team of approximately 30 investment professionals manages or advises a number of infrastructure investment vehicles, including 3i Infrastructure plc, 3i India Infrastructure Fund, 3i MIA and two PPP-focused funds, BIIF and BEIF II.