Amber Infrastructure (‘Amber’), a leading originator of infrastructure projects and manager of infrastructure funds, today announces its appointment, by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (‘IPA’), part of HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office, as manager of the National Digital Infrastructure Fund (‘NDIF’).
NDIF forms an element of the UK Government’s landmark Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund (‘DIIF’), a competitive financing initiative established to provide greater access to commercial finance for UK digital infrastructure and, in doing so, foster enhanced connectivity nationwide, a central objective in the government’s productivity agenda.
NDIF will be specifically targeting investment in digital fibre-based broadband networks and related businesses to boost the deployment of full-fibre connections and ultrafast broadband access across the UK. NDIF expects mainly to make loans (including subordinated loans) but may also make equity investments and will provide its investors with access to a wide range of full fibre investment opportunities.
HM Treasury will commit £400 million to UK digital infrastructure via DIIF over a period of 4 years. At least £150 million of this will be allocated to NDIF, to be match-funded by the private sector. Amber, together with International Public Partnerships, (‘INPP’) the FTSE 250 infrastructure investment fund to which it is Investment Adviser, are acting as cornerstone investors for the first close, investing £5 million and £45 million respectively.
Giles Frost, CEO of Amber Infrastructure said: “We see full fibre to the home broadband connectivity as becoming part of the core infrastructure of the future - just as gas and electricity distribution are today. Our strong record of establishing and delivering success through innovative partnerships between the public and private sectors will help accelerate the roll out of ultrafast connectivity. We look forward to helping the Government and the other investors in the National Digital Infrastructure Fund meet the twin objectives of increased ultrafast broadband access and attractive investment returns”
ENDS
For further information:
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Ed Berry +44 (0)20 3727 1046 Mitch Barltrop +44 (0)20 3727 1039 FTI Consulting |
Notes to Editors:
About Amber Infrastructure Group
Amber Infrastructure Group (Amber) is a leading international infrastructure specialist, providing asset management and investment advisory services in respect of over £8 billion of assets in the UK, Europe, Australia and North America. Amber’s core business focuses on sourcing, developing, advising on, investing in and managing infrastructure assets within the utilities, PPP, transport, renewable energy and regeneration sectors.
Amber provides investment advisory services to International Public Partnerships
Limited as well as private investment funds, specialising in infrastructure, urban regeneration and energy efficiency. Amber is headquartered in London with offices in Munich, Sydney, Melbourne and San Francisco and employs over 100 people, making it one of the largest international infrastructure specialists.