Perpetual launches new Infrastructure business
12 Feb 2003
Strong growth opportunities and increasing investor demand for more varied investment options has led Perpetual Investments to launch a new institutional infrastructure business.
The new business will take an active asset management approach and will provide specialist services to wholesale, government and corporate superannuation funds.
Mr Brett Lazarides, formerly Head of Alternative Equity at National Asset Management (NAM), has been appointed Head of Infrastructure at Perpetual Investments. Mr Lazarides previously held the position of Head of Alternative Equity at NAM for 4 years, and prior to this worked in the Global Project and Structured Finance team at National Australia Bank.
Joining him at Perpetual Investments are former NAM colleagues Mr Robert Forte, who will hold the position of Portfolio Manager, and Ms Sandra Lee who has been appointed Assistant Portfolio Manager. Mr Forte was previously Portfolio Manager - Alternative Equity at NAM and prior to this was Manager - International Strategy Development at National Australia Financial Management (NAFM). Ms Lee was Assistant Portfolio Manager at NAM, and has worked in a number of finance roles for NAM and NAFM prior to taking on portfolio management responsibilities.
Mr Emilio Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer - Perpetual Investments said that Perpetual's independence and market position provides a strong base from which to develop and grow the new infrastructure business.
"The experienced team working under Mr Lazarides, combined with the Perpetual culture which is strongly focused on delivering solid investment performance and high client service standards will, we believe, position us well in this new venture.
"Infrastructure investment can offer good returns with low volatility and it blends well with other growth assets. We believe infrastructure investment has the potential to offer reliable, long-term earnings flow and good cash yield which investors are demanding, particularly in the current market environment," Mr Gonzalez said.
In the short term the business will finalise product offerings in communication with market participants to ensure its investment management services meet client needs.
Mr Brett Lazarides said that he was looking forward to establishing and growing Perpetual's infrastructure business.
"Our aim with this business is to provide dedicated asset management services to the wholesale superannuation market, focused on providing strong, reliable returns for investors. Infrastructure offers diversification and growth options for superannuation investors, and presents a natural fit for their longer-term investment horizon. We believe Perpetual's independence, professionalism and its depth of resources, combined with a targeted selection strategy and investment process will enable us to actively pursue quality opportunities as they arise in this market," Mr Lazarides said.