What we do

Source: Investment origination

Amber has a culture of sourcing investment opportunities directly, aiming to be a first mover into new sectors and geographies.

With a large international investment team, we’ve executed more than 175 investments across 22 countries, demonstrating our expertise in navigating diverse markets and sectors that align with our client needs and investment theses.

BeNEX Agilis EMU In Front Of Own Depot — BeNEX, Germany

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Number of investments

> 0

Across nine funds

Countries invested in

Across three continents

Primary Origination

0 %

Investments sourced outside of price-only auctions

Origination approach

Amber’s deal sourcing strategy is rooted in the strength and depth of its localised investment teams.

Our methodology for identifying investments is centred around a thesis-driven investment approach and informed by our pioneering Amber Horizons programme. We begin with a clear, data-driven, research-led hypothesis on market trends and infrastructure requirements to guide our search for investments that align with emerging trends and which meet the specific needs of our public and private sector clients.

Amber’s origination capability is built around team members that can demonstrate genuine sector insight. They have the drive and focus to identify, diligence and execute compelling investment opportunities, commonly outside of pure auction processes. This sector knowhow, together with local presence and language skills, creates a strong base to identify and secure differentiated opportunities with promising potential.

Our capabilities

We develop innovative infrastructure investment approaches. Amber’s founders were early movers into the infrastructure asset class, being one of the first to drive collaboration between the private and public sectors and to develop impact-type funds. We have conviction in our approach and this is evidenced by the c.£400m of investments that we have made to date utilising our own balance sheet.

Procurement

Our procurement strategy leverages the insights and deep market knowledge of our teams, enabling us to identify and engage with stakeholders at an early phase. Our local teams provide insight into each market’s challenges and opportunities, allowing us to shape optimal outcomes for our clients.

Biddeford

In 2020, Amber partnered with the City of Biddeford, USA to deliver a project adopting a progressive development procurement model, resulting in the thoughtful and efficient development of the project in just over two years.

Amber’s extensive PPP (P3) experience and progressive approach to US infrastructure procurement led to an exclusive partnership with the City through the development phase of the Project.

Case Study: Biddeford

external building image — Biddeford, USA

Greenfield Development

Amber has the capability to manage the full greenfield investment process, from due diligence of complex multi-party construction contracts, managing interface risk inter and intra contract, arranging competitive and innovative debt finance, to the on-site management of contractors.

Amber has considerable experience of greenfield investment, managing over 50 investments through construction and into operation across Europe, North America and Australia.

Tideway

Tideway, the 25km ‘super-sewer’ under the River Thames in London, is an example of how Amber applied the ‘regulated asset base’ investment model, to successfully deliver one of the largest infrastructure projects currently under construction in Europe.

Case Study: Tideway

Workers in high vis in tideway tunnel — Tideway, UK
Photo credit: Tideway

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)

Mergers and Acquisitions

In M&A, our strength lies in identifying undervalued assets with potential for significant value creation through strategic management and capital enhancements. Our local presence and sector insight enable us to uncover investment opportunities that have not been held by other financial investors, including investment opportunities that have not previously come to market and are therefore likely to offer better value.

Cargounit

The Amber-advised 3SIIF fund acquired a majority stake in Cargounit in 2020, leveraging Amber's experience with three previous rail investments in Europe (BeNEX, Angel Trains, Diabolo Rail) and two in Australia (Gold Coast Light Rail and Reliance Rail).

Cargounit is well positioned as the only private locomotive leasing company in Poland able to offer a full suite of locomotive types. It has extensive plans to modernise its fleet over the coming years, aiming to replace its existing large fleet with the latest generation of electric locomotives.

Case Study: Cargounit

image of train on tracks in the countryside — Cargounit, Poland

We are proud that 70% of our investments have been sourced through direct channels, avoiding competitive price-only auctions and fostering early-mover advantages.

Amanda Woods

Chief Investment Officer