Railpen’s notable foray into the Nordic waste collection sector marks a strategic investment that strengthens their portfolio.
- WFW played a critical advisory role in Railpen’s acquisition of a 25% stake in Verdis, a prominent Nordic waste operator.
- This investment represents Railpen’s initial direct infrastructure involvement in both the Nordic region and municipal waste sector.
- The completion of the deal signifies Cube Infrastructure Managers’ extensive co-investment program’s expansion.
- Key legal advisors included figures from Watson Farley & Williams, contributing essential expertise in infrastructure investment.
Railpen, known as one of the UK’s largest pension managers, has strategically expanded its investment portfolio by acquiring a 25% stake in Verdis, which is a leading municipal waste collection operator in the Nordic region. This acquisition not only marks Railpen’s first direct investment in the Nordic infrastructure sector but also highlights its focus on essential service markets both domestically and internationally.
The advisory firm Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) was instrumental in guiding Railpen through this significant transaction. WFW’s Corporate team, led by Partner Jan Mellmann, provided seasoned advice on the deal, underscoring the firm’s expertise in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The legal team comprised additional support from notable partners and associates, all contributing to the successful execution of the deal.
Cube Infrastructure Managers, the seller, originally acquired Verdis in 2023. Since then, Verdis has grown to service over six million residents across Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. This transaction is part of Cube’s largest co-investment program, which has seen involvement from other pre-existing investors into the Verdis platform.
Railpen’s decision to invest directly in Verdis comes as part of a broader commitment to bolster its infrastructure assets, providing secure, long-term returns for its vast membership. Railpen currently manages approximately £35 billion in assets on behalf of around 350,000 members spanning over 150 rail companies across the UK.
The legal expertise of additional firms from across the Nordic region was also crucial. Entities like Ogier in Luxembourg, Gorrissen Federspiel in Denmark, Krogerus in Finland, BAHR in Norway, and Hammarskiöld in Sweden provided indispensable assistance, ensuring that the cross-border transaction adhered to all regulatory requirements.
This strategic investment by Railpen underscores its commitment to essential infrastructure, promising resilience in its investment approach.
