Fiera Capital Corporation, an independent asset management firm, has recently revealed the creation of a joint venture with Toronto-based Aquila Infrastructure Management, a manager of infrastructure investments. The newly-formed alternative investment company, Fiera Infrastructure will have invested and committed capital of some CAD$500 million (US$376 million) and will benefit from a strong pipeline of investment opportunities.

This transaction will bring Fiera Capital's current infrastructure asset portfolio to CAD$1.2 billion (US$900 million) which includes Fiera Infrastructure's CAD$500 million (US$377 million) of invested and committed capital and CAD$700 million (US$524 million) of infrastructure debt as at December 31, 2015.

Aquila's portfolio contributes a new set of diversified international assets, including hydroelectric projects, regulated utilities, wind and solar projects and transportation infrastructure. The firm also welcomes a team of professionals with significant experience and in-depth knowledge of the sector.

Current Aquila CEO Alina Osorio is a seasoned veteran of alternative investment management, and brings with her over 20 years of experience in the financial sector and a successful track record of infrastructure investing and asset management. Ms. Osorio will take on the new role of president of Fiera Infrastructure, a platform established to complement Fiera Capital's strong and growing offering of investments in this increasingly important asset class.   

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016. The financial results of Fiera Infrastructure will be reflected in the consolidated financial results of Fiera Capital starting in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

Jean-Guy Desjardins, Fiera Capital Chairman and CEO, said:

"The infrastructure sector's importance to the global investment community cannot be overstated. This transaction is in line with Fiera Capital's strategy of expanding its current service offering in alternative strategies and enhances our ability to offer our clients the best possible investment opportunities in a wide array of asset classes."

Alina Osorio, Aquila CEO, added:

"Our team is very excited to have a firm as well-respected and successful as Fiera Capital as a new partner. We believe that their platform is a natural fit for us. Our expertise, combined with Fiera Capital's knowledge of the infrastructure sector and the addition of our portfolio assets, will significantly expand the range of offerings to both Fiera Capital and Aquila's existing clients."