REG - HICL Infrastructure - Disposal of Bradford Schools PPPs for c. £37m

HICL InfrastructureAnnouncement

18/09/2023 07:00

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RNS Number : 6292M  HICL Infrastructure PLC  18 September 2023

18 September 2023

 

HICL Infrastructure PLC

"HICL" or "the Company" and, together with its subsidiaries, "the Group", the
London-listed infrastructure investment company managed by InfraRed Capital
Partners Limited ("InfraRed" or "the Investment Manager".)

Disposal of Bradford Schools PPPs for c. £37m

·    Sale represents an 8% premium to the Company's valuation at 31 March
2023

·    Transaction is accretive to key portfolio metrics and improves
portfolio composition

·    Continues HICL's track record of delivering capital growth through
active asset recycling

The Board is pleased to announce that HICL has entered into an agreement to
dispose of its entire equity interests in the Bradford Building Schools for
the Future ("BSF") Phase 1 ("Bradford 1") and Bradford BSF Phase 2 PFI
projects ("Bradford 2") (together the "Projects") for a total consideration of
c. £37m. Together with refinancing proceeds received since 31 March 2023, the
sale represents an 8% premium to the Company's last audited valuation at 31
March 2023. Completion is expected in Q4 2023, subject to customary closing
conditions.

HICL initially invested in Bradford 1 in June 2014, and in Bradford 2 in June
2009, acquiring additional stakes in the Projects in 2021 through execution of
pre-emption rights. The sale price represents an annualised holding period
return for HICL of 11.5% and 14.1%, respectively. This transaction improves
portfolio composition, enhancing key portfolio metrics including total return,
inflation correlation and asset life, and further enhances HICL's track record
of utilising selective asset realisations to deliver capital growth and market
test asset valuations.

Through its ownership, HICL has delivered enhanced community outcomes while
creating value for shareholders. InfraRed actively managed Bradford 2 through
its construction phase and supported the refinancing of the project in April
2023, sharing outperformance with the Local Authority. HICL has also supported
the delivery of key operational variations including the addition of 50
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities places annually for the local
community.

Proceeds from the transaction will reduce the drawn balance on the Company's
Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF"). Following completion of the disposal,
drawings on the RCF are expected to be c. £330m.

Edward Hunt, Head of Core Income Funds at InfraRed said:

"Selective divestments enhance portfolio composition, provide a valuable
source of funding beyond capital markets, and reinforce the value of HICL's
high quality portfolio. This transaction builds on HICL's long track record of
delivering value enhancement through active asset recycling, and we continue
to progress disposal opportunities where these deliver shareholder value."

-Ends-

 

Enquiries

InfraRed Capital Partners
Limited                            +44 (0) 20 7484
1800 / info@hicl.com (mailto:info@hicl.com)

Edward Hunt

Helen Price

Mohammed Zaheer

 

Brunswick
 
+44 (0) 20 7404 5959 / hicl@brunswickgroup.com
(mailto:hicl@brunswickgroup.com)

Sofie Brewis

 

Investec Bank plc
 
+44(0) 20 7597 4952

David Yovichic

 

RBC Capital Markets
 
+44 (0) 20 7653 4000

Matthew Coakes

Elizabeth Evans

 

Aztec Financial Services (UK) Limited
+44(0) 203 818 0246

Chris Copperwaite

Sarah Felmingham

 

HICL Infrastructure PLC

HICL Infrastructure PLC ("HICL") is a long-term investor in infrastructure
assets which are predominantly operational and yielding steady returns. It was
the first infrastructure investment company to be listed on the London Stock
Exchange.

With a current portfolio of over 100 infrastructure investments, HICL is
seeking further suitable opportunities in core infrastructure, which are
inherently positioned at the lower end of the risk spectrum.

Further details can be found on the HICL website www.hicl.com
(http://www.hicl.com/) .

 

Investment Manager (InfraRed Capital Partners)

The Investment Manager to HICL is InfraRed Capital Partners Limited
("InfraRed") which has successfully invested in infrastructure projects since
1997. InfraRed is a leading international investment manager, operating
worldwide from offices in London, New York, Seoul and Sydney and managing
equity capital in multiple private and listed funds, primarily for
institutional investors across the globe. InfraRed is authorised and regulated
by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The infrastructure investment team at InfraRed consists of over 100 investment
professionals, all with an infrastructure investment background and a broad
range of relevant skills, including private equity, structured finance,
construction, renewable energy and facilities management.

InfraRed implements best-in-class practices to underpin asset management and
investment decisions, promotes ethical behaviour and has established community
engagement initiatives to support good causes in the wider community. InfraRed
is a signatory of the Principles of Responsible Investment.

Further details can be found on InfraRed's website www.ircp.com
(http://www.ircp.com/) .

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