NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- IFM Investors is pleased to announce the launch of Aleática S.A.U., a dedicated operator of infrastructure assets with a focused presence in Spain and Latin America. The company will initially operate the 19 assets that formerly comprised the OHL Concesiones portfolio located in Spain, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Colombia, leveraging IFM Investors' experience in managing the operation of toll roads, seaports, and airports throughout the world.

As an independent infrastructure operating platform, Aleática's focus will be on delivering long-term infrastructure solutions, emphasizing safety, strong governance, customer service and sustainability. All of these values will be underscored by a strong focus on the team and developing collaborative solutions to growing mobility problems. The dedicated operator structure is a fast-maturing best practice in transportation asset management, as it prioritizes user needs and reliable partnerships with communities.

Building upon the team's successful track record of over 25 years, IFM Investors will continue to strengthen key processes that are crucial for Aleática to become a global leader in the management of infrastructure assets that are critical to the communities in which they operate.

Grounded in its global reputation as a principled, responsible investor, IFM Investors is implementing a new business culture throughout the Aleática organization. Key actions that have been already completed and are aligned with this objective include:

• The separation of concession management activities from construction through acquiring only the concessions management business from Obracson Huarte Lain, S.A.
• The creation of the position of global Chief Compliance and Risk Officer, which reports directly to the Audit and Risk Committee of Aleática's Board of Directors, in line with international corporate governance best practices.
• The appointments of a global Chief Compliance and Risk Officer and a new global Chief Legal Officer.
• The appointment of three new independent directors to the publicly listed Mexican subsidiary of Aleática. The majority of Aleática's board in Mexico is now comprised of independent directors.
• The development and implementation of a new code of ethics and a strict anti-corruption policy throughout the company structure.
• The launch of an internal whistleblower hot line monitored by a leading provider.

The new appointments to the Aleática group are highly accomplished and reputable professionals that will be additive to the business and enhanced governance.

Aleática will continue to explore opportunities for growth via the expansion of existing infrastructure assets in its portfolio, as well as further development of its platform.

For further information, please contact:

About IFM Investors
IFM Investors is a global institutional funds manager with approximately US$80 billion under its management as of June 30, 2018. Established more than 25 years ago and owned by 27 Australian pension funds, IFM Investors' interests are deeply aligned with those of its investors. Investment teams in Australia, Europe and North America manage institutional strategies across debt investments, infrastructure, listed equities and private equity. IFM Investors is committed to the United Nations supported Principles for Responsible Investment and has been a signatory since 2008. IFM Investors has offices in eight cities: Melbourne, Sydney, New York, London, Berlin, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul.

This material is provided for informational purposes only.  It does not constitute an offer to sell, an invitation or solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation in relation to the purchase or sale of any securities in any jurisdiction.  It also should not be relied upon as investment, tax, legal or other advice.  Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "believes," "scheduled," "estimates" and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which include but are not limited to projections of earnings, performance, and cash flows.  Forward looking statements in this document are as of the date of this material, express the opinion of IFM Investors, and should not be construed as guarantees.  Actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors.  The information herein may contain material provided by third parties for general reference or interest.  While such third-party sources are believed to be reliable, IFM Investors does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information.  Subject to applicable law, IFM Investors has no obligation to update or keep current the information contained herein.  IFM Investors does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, and nothing contained herein shall be relied upon as a promise or representation as to past or future performance of any transactions described herein.  IFM Investors disclaims any and all liability relating to this information, including, without limitation, any express or implied representation or warranty for statements contained in and omissions from any information set forth in these materials.

SOURCE IFM Investors