KKR Launches Highways Infrastructure Trust in India

Launch marks KKR’s third infrastructure investment trust in India

Strengthens KKR’s ability to pursue opportunities in transportation, renewables, and power

Global investment firm KKR today announced the launch of Highways Infrastructure Trust (“HIT”), a roads infrastructure investment trust (“InvIT”). HIT is KKR’s third InvIT in India, in addition to Virescent Renewable Energy Trust, India’s first renewable energy InvIT, and India Grid Trust, a leading transmissions InvIT, and marks KKR’s latest development as it scales its infrastructure investment activity in the country. Together, these platforms operate and manage 33 assets valued at over $3.8 billion across 22 states or union territories across India.

HIT’s initial portfolio comprises of six roads assets with a total length of more than 450 kilometers across six states in India. The assets, which include a diversified mix of toll and annuity roads, are located in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. In addition, HIT is considering a pipeline of acquisition targets, including through its sponsor. The platform possesses significant growth potential and seeks to invest in high-quality assets, including through bolt-on acquisitions.

HIT has been assigned a ‘Provisional AAA/Stable’ rating for its loan facilities from CRISIL, S&P’s India affiliate. The rating reflects the assets’ favorable location and geographical diversity, as well as strong track record of revenue.

HIT’s launch takes place on the back of growing demand to expand India’s road network, the second-largest globally, as passenger traffic and commercial vehicle traffic continue to increase. Today, India’s road network is responsible for 90% of total passenger traffic and the movement of almost 65% of all goods across the country.¹

Hardik Shah, Partner at KKR, said, “HIT’s launch is a significant milestone for KKR’s India infrastructure strategy as we deepen our presence in the market. Highways and roads play a critical role in driving India’s economic prosperity and connecting its citizens, and we look forward to enabling further infrastructure creation and expansion as transportation demands continue to grow. With our dedicated platforms across transmissions, roads, and renewables in place, KKR is well-positioned to collaborate with sellers in the private markets and the government through the National Monetisation Pipeline on attractive investment opportunities.”

In Asia Pacific, KKR takes a flexible approach to infrastructure investment and combines local knowledge and capabilities with the Firm’s global industry and operational expertise. Globally, KKR’s infrastructure portfolio spans a broad range of sectors including transportation, renewable energy, power and utilities, water and wastewater, and telecommunications, among others, and manages more than $40 billion in assets.

In India, KKR sees transportation, renewable energy, and electricity transmissions as core to its infrastructure strategy. The launch of HIT additionally strengthens KKR’s longstanding commitment to India. Since setting up its Mumbai office in 2009, KKR has made more than 20 investments in India with more than a dozen active portfolio companies today.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life, and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

¹ India Brand Equity Foundation (August 2022): Roads Industry Report

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