Zhitong Financial APP learned that as one of the largest infrastructure investors in the world,$Macquarie Global Infrastructure Total Return Fund Inc. (MGU.US)$12.6 billion euros ($13.1 billion) have been raised to bet on everything from natural gas networks to water treatment facilities. Macquarie said in a statement on Monday that the second round of financing for Super Core Infrastructure Fund, its asset management unit, was nearing completion and had attracted commitments from investors such as insurers, sovereign wealth funds and family wealth offices from 22 countries.
Network assets, including power grids and natural gas transmission systems, are welcomed by infrastructure investors because they can generate stable and long-term returns. Martin Bradley, head of Macquarie Asset Management's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) entity asset team, said in a statement: "the network infrastructure supports our daily lives. With the accelerated electrification of the economy and the transition to clean energy, network infrastructure will play a central role in the transition to net zero-carbon energy. "
Macquarie is a prolific buyer of network infrastructure and has invested heavily through its Super Core Infrastructure Fund. Over the past 18 months, Macquarie has agreed to buy a 60 per cent stake in National Grid Plc's natural gas transmission business for £9.6 billion ($11.6 billion), Thyssengas, a German gas pipeline company, and Hellenic Electric, a Greek electricity wholesaler.
"We look forward to working closely with companies and clients in our portfolio to actively manage the fund's existing investments while promoting channels with a large number of new opportunities," Martin Bradley said. Macquarie's goal is for Super Core Infrastructure Fund to have a high single-digit net internal rate of return and a medium single-digit net return. Macquarie plans to start raising the next tranche of funds for its core infrastructure strategy as early as next year, according to people familiar with the matter.