Natixis Investment Managers continues to strengthen its alternative and real asset capabilities with the launch of Vauban Infrastructure Partners
Natixis Investment Managers continues to strengthen its alternative and real asset capabilities with the launch of Vauban Infrastructure Partners
Natixis Investment Managers announces today its plan to launch Vauban Infrastructure Partners, a new affiliate dedicated to infrastructure equity investing. Vauban Infrastructure Partners will be established by transferring the current infrastructure team of Mirova[1] into a new specialized affiliate. The team has been at the forefront of innovation in infrastructure investing since the 2012 inception of Mirova, pioneer in responsible investing. The team currently manages €2.8 billion of assets[2] and will pursue its international growth as a stand-alone affiliate.
This marks another important step in the development of Natixis Investment Managers’ international alternative and real asset range following the launch in December 2018 of Flexstone Partners, a global private equity manager; the acquisition in June 2018 of MV Credit, a private debt specialist; and the launch in May 2018 of a co-investment offering - for real estate, infrastructure and aviation private debt – between its affiliate Ostrum Asset Management and Natixis’ Corporate & Investment Banking arm.
Vauban Infrastructure Partners will be led by Gwenola Chambon, who will be named CEO, and Mounir Corm, who will be named Deputy CEO, both founding partners, and will count a team of 35 highly experienced professionals. Over the last 10 years, the team has successfully raised five infrastructure funds (FIDEPPP, FIDEPPP2, BTP Impact Local, MCIF, CIF II)[1], and has invested in more than 50 assets across Europe.
The team will continue to specialize in structuring and managing equity funds (including the existing ones) dedicated to investing in global greenfield and brownfield infrastructure assets with a focus on the transportation, utilities, digital infrastructure and social infrastructure sectors. Vauban Infrastructure Partners will cater to institutional investors - including pension funds, insurance companies, financial institutions and family offices - across Europe and Asia. Vauban Infrastructure Partners will continue to consider long-term sustainability and ESG aspects as key determinants of long-term performance.
Jean Raby, CEO, Natixis Investment Managers, said: “The upcoming launch of Vauban Infrastructure Partners will make a substantial contribution to our alternative and real assets range. At a time where the infrastructure investing market is growing significantly, creating a stand-alone specialized affiliate, with an entrepreneurial approach and proven track record, will enable global investors to more easily access the infrastructure investments fitting their specific needs and constraints.”
Gwenola Chambon, CEO[2], Vauban Infrastructure Partners commented: “We are pleased to become an affiliate of one of the world’s leading asset managers. The creation of Vauban Infrastructure Partners is a natural step in our development and will help us to pursue further growth in a market where size matters. We ambition to continue our European-focused mid-market strategies but also to further explore international expansion.”
Mounir Corm, Deputy CEO[3], Vauban Infrastructure Partners added: “Our mission is to continue to deliver long-term sustainable value to all our stakeholders, including investors, local communities, public entities, employees, and industrial partners, with the highest quality of service. We aim to double our AUMs over the next years, building on our track record in delivering long-term value in infrastructure investments for our clients.”
With €855.4 billion AUM[4] and powered by the expertise of 24 specialized investment managers, Natixis Investment Managers is one of the largest asset managers in the world. It offers access to highly active, high conviction managers globally, each of which concentrates on the investment styles and disciplines in which they have proven expertise.
Vauban Infrastructure Partners will be structured as a partnership, emphasising entrepreneurship and long-term alignment with investors.
[1] All of the funds mentioned above are closed for investment
[2] Gwenola Chambon will be named CEO of Vauban Infrastructure Partners after the official creation of Vauban infrastructure Partners, subject to regulatory approval.
[3] Mounir Corm will be named Deputy CEO of Vauban Infrastructure Partners after the official creation of Vauban infrastructure Partners, subject to regulatory approval.
[4] As of end March 2019