Abrdn’s core infrastructure investment team has announced the first closing of its third core/core+ infrastructure fund, Aberdeen Standard Core Infrastructure Fund III, with commitments totalling €326 million.
“Focused on direct investments in European mid-market Core and Core+ infrastructure opportunities, The Fund builds on the success of Funds I and II,” said Abrdn.
“For its first closing, the Fund, which has a target of €1 billion, has received strong support from both existing investors from fund I and II as well as a number of new investors, with commitments totalling €326 million.
“The commitments come from a wide range of financial investors including corporate and local authority pension funds, fund of funds and charitable foundations from the UK, Continental Europe, Japan and North America.
“The team, led by Dominic Helmsley and supported by Roger Pim and Graeme Dunbar, plan to have further closes during the course of the year with a final close expected during Q4 2022.
“The Fund’s strategy is to build a diversified portfolio of 8-12 direct investments in European mid-market core/core+ infrastructure opportunities across the utilities, energy, transportation and digital segments.
“In many cases leveraging the experience and networks developed through prior transactions to generate a strong pipeline of investment opportunities.
“The Fund is categorised as Article 8 under SFDR reflecting the integrated approach to ESG and will look to capitalise on the key macro infrastructure themes of energy transition, transport de-carbonisation and digitisation.”
Dominic Helmsley, Abrdn’s Head of Core Infrastructure, said: “We are delighted to announce the successful first close of Fund III, which enables us to continue to address the strong pipeline of attractive mid-market investment opportunities we have developed.
“Such demand demonstrates continued investor support for the abrdn Core Infrastructure team’s investment strategy and recognises the successful performance of Funds I and II.”
Roger Pim, Abrdn Senior Investment Director, said: “It’s pleasing to see that our strategy and approach continues to attract clients who are looking for a differentiated angle to core infrastructure investing.
“We are very grateful for the strong support we have received from existing and new investors and look forward to working in partnership with them over the coming years as we aim to continue this successful strategy.”
Neil Slater, Abrdn’s Global Head of Real Assets added: “I’m thrilled to see that the third core infrastructure fund has received such great support from existing clients, which is testament to the commitment and hard work of the team.
“Being categorised as an Article 8 Fund under SFDR regulations reflects the importance of ESG considerations in the investment opportunities we seek.”