Swiss commodity trader Trafigura Group has entered into an agreement with global fund manager IFM Investors to create a joint venture which will see IFM Global Infrastructure Fund invest in certain Trafigura assets operating as Impala Terminals.
The 50:50 joint venture will own and operate a network of concentrates terminal infrastructure in Mexico, Spain and Peru, and will also include fluvial operations in Paraguay and a Swiss-based operation which provide global freight forwarding and multimodal transportation services in the African copperbelt for Trafigura and third party clients.
It will also explore strategically growing the platform over time, including expanding the network with assets owned by Trafigura that are currently not included in the deal.
“IFM Investors are an excellent global fund management company to partner with. They have a great depth of experience in investing in infrastructure projects and a successful track record of investing alongside other companies in our sector. Impala Terminals has a strong competitive position with the potential to expand in existing and new markets and through handling increased volumes from Trafigura and third parties. This was a good point to bring in a strong partner, while allowing Trafigura to re-invest the funds raised into new projects that will support our trade flows,” said Jeremy Weir, Executive Chairman and CEO of Trafigura.
