Global Infrastructure Partners enters Asia

Global Infrastructure Partners, a $1 billion private equity joint venture between Credit Suisse and General Electric, has opened an office in Hong Kong where newly-appointed partner Mike Nikkel will spearhead the firm’s investment efforts across Asia.

Prior to joining Global Infrastructure Partners, Nikkel had led the development and operations of OneEnergy, an independent power company that is a joint venture between Hong Kong’s CLP Holdings and Mitsubishi Corporation.

Between 2003 and 2006, Nikkel worked at CLP Holdings, one of Asia’s largest electric utilities company with a dominant presence in Hong Kong. He had previously managed China and Asian businesses for AES Corporation. The 42-year old, who came to Asia in 1988, has worked in most of the major markets across the region, including China, India and Australia.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, chairman and managing partner of Global Infrastructure Partners, said the firm was “committed to sourcing, executing and adding value to compelling infrastructure investment opportunities in Asia in close partnership with leading Asian investors and relevant government agencies.”

Nikkel said efforts to build a Hong Kong-based team to support activities across Asia were “already under way and progressing well.”

Global Infrastructure Partners, which was established mid-last year, recently acquired UK’s International Port Holdings, a port infrastructure vehicle, and toward the end of last year, London City Airport. The firm also has offices in New York and London.