Macquarie Group Launches Mexican Infrastructure Fund

14 January 2010

• Ps$5.2 billion in initial commitments raised
• First peso-denominated fund focused solely on infrastructure investment opportunities in Mexico
• Mexico’s National Infrastructure Fund, FONADIN, to serve as a cornerstone investor

MEXICO CITY — Macquarie Group (“Macquarie”) (ASX: MQG; ADR: MQBKY) today announced the launch of Macquarie Mexican Infrastructure Fund (“MMIF”, “the Fund”), with approximately Ps$5.2 billion ($US408 million) in initial commitments from Mexican pension funds, FONADIN and Macquarie.

MMIF is Macquarie’s first managed fund in Latin America, and is the first peso-denominated fund solely focused on investment opportunities in Mexican infrastructure projects. The Fund will target investments across infrastructure asset classes that include: roads and rail, airports and ports, water and wastewater, energy and utilities as well as social and communications infrastructure.

Mexico’s National Infrastructure Fund, FONADIN (Fondo Nacional de Infraestructura), has made an initial commitment of approximately Ps$1.04 billion ($US81 million) to MMIF. FONADIN has also agreed to invest up to a total of Ps$3 billion (approx $US230) as a cornerstone investor in the Fund. The investment is FONADIN’s first direct investment in an infrastructure fund and is consistent with the Mexican Government’s broader National Infrastructure Program.

Seven of the leading Mexican pension funds have committed an additional Ps$3.42 billion ($US268 million) to the Fund. Macquarie has committed Ps$750 million ($US59 million) to the Fund.

In remarks made today at a press conference at the Mexican Stock Exchange, Mark Ramsey, Executive Director and President of Macquarie Capital in Mexico, said: "MMIF is an attractive investment opportunity that provides Mexican and international institutions with a vehicle to invest in a domestic infrastructure portfolio and contribute to the nation building goals set out in the government's infrastructure plan.”

“We are delighted to have FONADIN and the country’s leading pension funds as cornerstone investors in the Fund and look forward to a long and successful partnership with them. Mexico’s Federal Government and FONADIN have established a clear and ambitious infrastructure program and Macquarie is optimistic about the role our Fund will play in facilitating additional private sector investment into that program."

Mexico and Infrastructure
Strong government support exists for private investment in Mexican infrastructure, with private sector capital a well-established source of funds for the development of various infrastructure projects. The Mexican Federal Government has identified infrastructure investment as a national priority. In August 2007 it announced a National Infrastructure Program mandating public and private investment in infrastructure. Mexico has since embarked on a substantial infrastructure development program and is looking to the public-private partnership model to help deliver some of those projects.

About FONADIN
FONADIN was established in February 2008, by the decree of President Felipe Calderon, as the agency for infrastructure development in communications, transportation, water, natural resources and tourism. It was originally established with funds from the Trust Fund to Support Rescue Highway Concessions (FARAC) and the Infrastructure Investment Fund (FINFRA). FONADIN supports the private sector participation in the planning, design, construction and transfer of Mexico infrastructure projects.

About Macquarie
Macquarie Group, through its Macquarie Capital Funds division, is recognized as a leading global investor and manager of infrastructure, real estate and other specialist businesses. Macquarie Capital Funds manages more than $US116 ($A131) billion in assets around the world with 47 listed and unlisted funds managing over 110 assets and 350 properties (at September 30, 2009).

Infrastructure investments managed by Macquarie include investments in the renewable energy, regulated utility, transportation and telecommunications sectors around the world. Macquarie manages funds in Mexico, USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Korea, Hong Kong, India, Russia, Singapore, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

See accompanying factsheet for additional information.

Download English PDF Press Release (.pdf, 81KB)
Download English Fact Sheet (.pdf, 298KB)

Download Spanish PDF Press Release (.pdf, 93KB)
Download Spanish Fact Sheet (.pdf, 294KB)

For further information, please contact:

Paula Chirhart
Corporate Communications, Macquarie Group
Tel: +1 212 231 1310

Francisco Morales
De la Calle, Madrazo, Mancera
Tel: +52 551 084 2090