News in brief: 1 August

- Sweden’s KPA Pension has partnered with the Rainbow Fund to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) rights and promote equal value for all, launching the collaboration during Stockholm Pride on 28 July.

To mark the occasion, KPA lit up its Stockholm office in rainbow colours as a symbol of inclusion and freedom.

“We are proud to be pioneers in the financial industry when it comes to LGBTI certification. We want to inspire more companies to follow our example and work towards an inclusive work environment where everyone feels welcome and respected,” KPA business area manager partners and education, Fredrik Eklöf, said.

- IFM Investors has agreed to acquire a 75 per cent stake in Air Rail, the largest airport ground support equipment (GSE) owner and lessor in Spain and Portugal. Air Rail’s founder, José Manuel García Prieto, will retain a 25 per cent shareholding.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close later this year. With more than 4,000 GSE units serving over 50 European airports, Air Rail offers full-service rental and maintenance and operates a predominantly electric fleet. The deal expands IFM’s footprint in Spain, where it already holds significant stakes in companies such as Naturgy, Aqualia and Aleatica.

IFM Investors global head of infrastructure, Kyle Mangini, said: “IFM is excited to work with Air Rail's leadership team. GSE equipment is mission-critical infrastructure for airports – a sector which IFM knows extremely well. We have been impressed by Air Rail's track record, operational excellence and customer-centric approach. We look forward to working closely with the company to accelerate its ambitious expansion plans.”

- The UK’s Smart Pension has announced a £330m investment in two Octopus Energy generation funds.

The move is part of a 15 per cent allocation commitment to private markets within Smart Pension's default fund. It aims to accelerate the UK's net-zero transition, with 5 per cent of the fund going into the Sky (Octopus renewables infrastructure) and OETF (Octopus energy transition fund) vehicles. Projects include the UK's first investor-backed ground source heat pump network in South Wales, delivering affordable low-carbon heating to 114 homes.

As part of the investment, Smart Pension's 1.5 million members will also have access to a range of materials, including case studies and carbon reporting, to help them better understand how their pension savings are making a difference both financially and environmentally.

Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, welcomed the investment, calling it a "clear example" of unlocking pensions for growth and good jobs.



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