Investment giant Blackstone contemplates growing its infrastructure team due to mounting interest in this sector.
Blackstone, the world's largest alternative asset manager, is set to strengthen its presence in India's infrastructure and energy sectors. According to a source close to the development, the firm is planning to hire an investment professional with deep experience in these fields, as part of a broader strategy to build a dedicated team in India focused on infrastructure and energy investments.
The exact details about the number of hires or the exact role are not provided, but it is known that Blackstone is actively recruiting senior executives from other private equity firms and professionals with operational experience managing infrastructure and energy assets in India. One operating partner from a PE-backed renewable energy platform is reportedly being considered for the team.
Blackstone intends to invest through its global infrastructure and energy transition funds rather than raise a dedicated Asia fund for these sectors. This approach allows the firm to leverage its existing resources and expertise in these areas.
The firm's expansion plans in India are not limited to talent acquisition. Blackstone has also submitted a binding bid for Statkraft’s wind and solar assets in India, valued at approximately US$1.5 billion. If successful, this acquisition would substantially enhance Blackstone’s footprint in India’s renewable sector, complementing its broader energy investment strategy.
This infrastructure and energy hiring push in India is part of a larger Asia-Pacific regional expansion plan in infrastructure, where Blackstone has previously had limited activity. The firm's headquarters are in New York, but the specific location for the potential job role within the infrastructure sector in India is not specified.
In summary, Blackstone is expanding its India infrastructure and energy platform through targeted senior hires, strategic acquisitions, and by leveraging its global investment funds to drive growth in this critical sector. These moves are likely to be part of Blackstone's strategy to expand in the infrastructure sector, both in India and across the Asia-Pacific region.
[1] Source: Our website PRO, an exclusive platform offering privileged access to curated articles. [2] Source: Reuters, 18th March 2023. [3] Source: The Economic Times, 20th March 2023.
Blackstone is boosting its finance operations in the infrastructure and energy sectors of India by planning to hire an experienced investment professional, as part of its strategy to assemble a specialized team in India that focuses on infrastructure and energy investments. The firm is also considering an operating partner from a PE-backed renewable energy platform for this team.
