Investment of £20m by Just Group in the refinancing of M6toll project
Just Group Invests £20m in M6toll Refinancing
Just Group, a leading investment firm, has made a significant move towards supporting the UK's "productive finance" agenda by investing £20m in a 22-year loan to Midland Motorways Group for the refinancing of the M6toll.
The M6toll, a 27-mile, six-lane motorway that links M6 junction 3a to junction 11a, is a nationally significant transport asset in the West Midlands. It provides a congestion-relief route around Birmingham, easing the flow of traffic and contributing to a more efficient transportation network.
Recent updates have referenced ongoing modernisation programs and a digital transformation by Midland Expressway, the company that operates the M6 Toll. This investment by Just Group is expected to further enhance these efforts, with the long-term capital contributing to upgrades on the M6toll. These upgrades include smart motorway integration, modernized tolling systems, and environmental initiatives such as expanded electric vehicle infrastructure.
The investment aims to support journey reliability and reducing emissions in the West Midlands. Since 2019, there have been reported reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions on the M6toll, a positive step towards a more sustainable transportation future. Steady commercial-vehicle traffic on the M6toll has also supported income, making it an attractive investment opportunity.
The government is encouraging pension schemes to allocate more to domestic infrastructure, and Just Group's investment in the M6toll aligns with this initiative. In 2024, Just Group invested £1.8bn in productive-finance assets, and more than £3.6bn of its investments are in dedicated sustainable assets.
Mohamed Tabi, director of credit and portfolio management at Just Group, stated that the firm is well-positioned to finance nationally significant infrastructure that delivers long-term economic and social value. This investment is a testament to Just Group's commitment to supporting the UK's infrastructure and contributing to a more sustainable future.
In May, HM Treasury highlighted first commitments under the Mansion House Accord to unlock more UK investment. This investment by Just Group is a clear example of such commitment, demonstrating the potential for private sector investment in UK infrastructure.
Just Group manages more than £27bn of retirement savings and originated £1.3bn of assets internally in 2024, 54% of £2.4bn in illiquid investments. The firm's focus on productive assets and sustainable investments positions it as a key player in the UK's infrastructure landscape.
While information about the owners of Midland Expressway was not found to be relevant or factual in the context of this article, it is generally known that Midland Expressway Ltd is a private company primarily owned by Connect Plus PLC, a consortium of investors including Macquarie, DIF Infrastructure, and others. The M6toll is operated by Midland Expressway, with ownership interests held by IFM Global Infrastructure Fund (advised by IFM Investors) and GLIL Infrastructure.
As the UK continues to prioritize infrastructure development and sustainable investments, investments like this one by Just Group are crucial in driving progress and supporting a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient transportation network.
