Edelweiss Infrastructure Acquires Two Road Assets Of Navayuga Group

Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors said its alternative investment fund, Edelweiss Infrastructure Yield Plus, along with Sekura Roads has acquired two road assets of Vishakhapatnam-based Navayuga Group.

The company, however, did not disclose the acquisition amount. Industry sources, however, said the approximate value of the transaction could be around $150 million (about Rs 1,125 crore).

The two road assets are Navayuga Dhola Infra Projects in Assam and Navayuga Dibang Infra Projects in Arunachal Pradesh.

“These assets have been acquired from Navayuga Road Projects,a subsidiary of Navayuga Engineering Company, making this one of the first infrastructure deals closed in the current lockdown environment,” the company said in a statement.

Sekura Roads is the road and highway infrastructure platform of the fund, focused on acquiring operating road assets.

“With the acquisition of these road assets, Sekura Roads starts its journey to become one of the leading asset owners and investors in the road sector,” the company said. “The fund is looking to contribute in a sustainable manner to the growing infrastructure assets needs of the country by helping the Indian infrastructure companies to recycle their capital and focus on their core construction business.”

With assets of more than Rs 28,000 crore under management, Edelweiss focuses on providing long-term growth capital to corporates, it said.

“Acquiring operating infrastructure assets provides impetus to the revival of the sector by helping construction companies to release capital and de-lever, enabling them to commence new projects which contribute to nation building and is becoming the core model to meet India’s infrastructure capital requirement,” Edelweiss Global Investment Advisory Deputy Chief Executive Officer Hemant Daga said.

The acquisition of these assets by the fund is a testament to its willingness, ability and capability to complete transactions despite the prevailing challenging conditions, he said.

“This acquisition is in line with our strategy of investing in infrastructure assets which can deliver predictable long-term yield to our investors. We now have a healthy portfolio of operating transmission and operating annuity road assets,” Edelweiss Infrastructure Yield Plus Head Subahoo Chordia said.

Navayuga Group Chief Financial Officer Sachin Bhansali said, “We are looking to de-leverage our balance sheet and asset monetisation is a critical component. This transaction will significantly ease out the debt position of the group and help free up cash.”

With the government’s thrust on boosting economic activity in northeastern India, the Dhola and Dibang roads are of strategic importance because they ensure seamless all-weather connectivity between north east and rest of India, the release said.