News release
To address the challenge of local digitalisation in France, Vauban Infrastructure Partners – an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers – and Axione have announced the launch of Vauban Infra Fibre. The new platform will consolidate existing or newly deployed infrastructure for the marketing of fiber networks to telecoms operators.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences have, in many ways, led to economic upheaval. It has reminded us of the key role that digital technology and its applications play in maintaining the continuity of our economic and social lives. Digital infrastructure is essential for ensuring this continuity across as many local communities as possible. It provides individuals and businesses with equal access to digital tools which contribute to resilience, innovation and economic development.
The digitalisation of communities is a major challenge, ranking among the priorities set out by the French government in its economic recovery plan. Vauban IP, an investment fund with strong historic presence in infrastructure financing, and Axione, a pioneer in digital development, have joined forces to create Vauban Infra Fibre, a platform that will consolidate existing and newly deployed digital infrastructure across France, in both urban and rural communities, as well as in medium density areas.
Vauban Infra Fibre’s unique, universal offering sets it apart. As a shared infrastructure platform, it is open to all operators. This is what has made the French model a success: a single infrastructure available to all operators, in order to maximise digital coverage at national level. A total of 11 million FFTH connections are already planned. This major project involves a €6 billion investment plan of which €4.3 billion has already been committed, a reflection of Vauban IP and Axione’s interest in this strategic niche with a promising future.
Did you know that ?
Vauban IP and Axione have worked together in past to successfully finance and roll out numerous digital networks. They were pioneers in the Public Initiative Networks market following the first ADSL concessions over ten years ago. The success of their partnership resides first and foremost in a shared philosophy: investing in developing essential infrastructure for local development which in turn allows them to expand the ranges of useful services available to all, all while taking account of the interests of all stakeholders.
About Vauban Infrastructure Partners Vauban Infrastructure Partners is a leading Infrastructure Asset Manager focused on the European core infrastructure investments. Based in Paris & Luxembourg, it employs 35 professionals working together since a decade. Vauban targets predominantly brownfield midmarket sustainable investments pursuing a long-term yield driven strategy matching the underlying nature of assets and long-term commitment to all stakeholders’ interest through a strong focus on creating sustainable value. Vauban has raised €3.0 billion across 5 funds in Core infrastructure from over 40 investors within 10 different countries; and has realized over 50 investments in transport, utilities, social & digital infrastructure across 8 different geographies.
About Natixis Investment Managers
Natixis Investment Managers serves financial professionals with more insightful ways to construct portfolios. Powered by the expertise of more than 20 specialized investment managers globally, we apply Active Thinking® to deliver proactive solutions that help clients pursue better outcomes in all markets. Natixis Investment Managers ranks among the world’s largest asset management firms1 with $908.9 billion / €828.4 billion assets under management2. Headquartered in Paris and Boston, Natixis Investment Managers is a subsidiary of Natixis. Listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, Natixis is a subsidiary of BPCE, the second-largest banking group in France. Natixis Investment Managers’ affiliated investment management firms include AEW; Alliance Entreprendre; AlphaSimplex Group; DNCA Investments;3 Dorval Asset Management; Flexstone Partners; Gateway Investment Advisers; H2O Asset Management; Harris Associates; Investors Mutual Limited; Loomis, Sayles & Company; Mirova; MV Credit; Naxicap Partners; Ossiam; Ostrum Asset Management; Seeyond; Seventure Partners; Thematics Asset Management; Vauban Infrastructure Partners;Vaughan Nelson Investment Management; Vega Investment Managers;4 and WCM Investment Management. Additionally, investment solutions are offered through Natixis Investment Managers Solutions, and Natixis Advisors offers other investment services through its AIA and MPA division. Not all offerings available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit Natixis Investment Managers’ website at im.natixis.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/natixis-investment-managers.
Natixis Investment Managers’ distribution and service groups include Natixis Distribution, L.P., a limited purpose broker-dealer and the distributor of various U.S. registered investment companies for which advisory services are provided by affiliated firms of Natixis Investment Managers, Natixis Investment Managers S.A. (Luxembourg), Natixis Investment Managers International (France), and their affiliated distribution and service entities in Europe and Asia. 1 Cerulli Quantitative Update: Global Markets 2019 ranked Natixis Investment Managers as the 17th largest asset manager in the world based on assets under management as of December 31, 2018. 2 Assets under management (“AUM”) as of March 31, 2020. AUM, as reported, may include notional assets, assets serviced, gross assets, assets of minority-owned affiliated entities and other types of non-regulatory AUM managed or serviced by firms affiliated with Natixis Investment Managers. 3 A brand of DNCA Finance. 4 A wholly-owned subsidiary of Natixis Wealth Management.