Equitix strengthens North American footprint with increased ownership of the I-4 Ultimate Project in Florida

Equitix, Europe’s foremost small‑to‑mid‑market infrastructure investor announce that John Laing Investments Limited (JLIL), jointly owned 50:50 by Equitix and John Laing Group Limited, has reached financial close on the acquisition of Skanska’s 50% stake in the I‑4 Ultimate Project (I‑4) thereby securing full ownership of the asset and strengthening its North American platform.

Since its acquisition in 2021, Equitix has been a partner in the delivery and stewardship of the I‑4 project, a major availability‑based public‑private partnership (P3) in central Florida. The project encompasses the reconstruction and widening of approximately 21 miles of Interstate 4, a critical east–west corridor used by more than 200,000 motorists daily within and through the Orlando Metropolitan area.

The project continues to demonstrate the benefits of public‑private partnerships, delivering enhanced capacity, improved safety and greater reliability for the communities served along the corridor.

Under a 40‑year Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain concession, the project is managed by I‑4 Mobility Partners, the shareholder-led project company, and benefits from government-backed, inflation-linked revenue through availability payments from the Florida Department of Transportation. With Substantial Completion achieved in 2022 and strong operational performance since, the project continues to be a flagship example of long-term P3 delivery in the US.

This acquisition builds on Equitix’s long-standing infrastructure experience demonstrating its position as a strategic, long-term investor of scale in the transportation sector further underlines the United States as a key growth market for Equitix, aligned with the firm’s strategy of expanding ownership in essential North American infrastructure.

Achal Bhuwania, Chief Investment Officer, Equitix, commented:

“Taking full ownership of I‑4 with John Laing is a clear demonstration of Equitix’s ability to scale in core sectors and secure high‑quality opportunities ahead of the wider market. Our long‑standing relationships in the US and the strength of our existing portfolio give us unique access to proprietary transactions that align with our small‑to‑mid market focus. This investment highlights the disciplined approach that continues to drive Equitix’s growth and performance.”

This transaction reflects Equitix’s commitment to responsible investment in critical infrastructure that delivers long‑term value for the public and supports the resilience of the communities in which we operate. JLIL continues to manage a growing portfolio of transportation assets across the Americas, supported by Equitix’s sector expertise and international reach.

David Wylie, Global Head of Asset Management, John Laing said, “Having invested in I-4 since 2014, we know the asset and its vital role it plays for over 200,000 daily users extremely well. Moving to full ownership enhances our ability to apply our asset management and work closely with our clients to identify optimisation opportunities over the years to come, while maintaining a relentless focus on safety and reliability for the road users.”