Macquarie Capital, the corporate advisory, principal investing and capital markets arm of Macquarie Group, last week announced an agreement to form Macquarie Development Corporation (MDC), an investment corporation that will invest equity in pre-construction infrastructure development projects in Latin America.

Macquarie Capital will partner with foundation shareholders China Communication Construction Company (CCCC) and Banco Modal and expects additional shareholders to participate in the coming months.

Nick Butcher, Head of Infrastructure for Macquarie Capital in the Americas, said:

"We are excited to launch Macquarie Development Corporation. MDC will utilize the unique expertise of Macquarie Capital in infrastructure and energy development across the Americas to capture what we believe is a growing pipeline of high-quality investment opportunities linked to the growth of these markets. We look forward to working with our partners to source, develop and finance much-needed infrastructure development projects."

Mark Ramsey, Head of Latin America Infrastructure for Macquarie Capital, said:

"A shortage of development capital continues to be a constraint on infrastructure development in many Latin American markets. Macquarie Development Corporation will work with local developers in the pre-construction phases of development to make viable projects investment-ready for traditional infrastructure investors and funds. MDC represents a significant opportunity to help facilitate economic growth in the region."

Ziyu Sun, Vice President of CCCC, said:

"Latin America is one of the most prospective infrastructure markets in the global arena. Currently, China Communication Construction Company is transforming its business model from a traditional EPC contractor into an infrastructure investor and developer. Joining MDC as one of the founding partners is part of this transformation. We believe that the forming of MDC will not only bring opportunities for CCCC to expand its business in the region, but also create tremendous opportunities for the development of infrastructure facilities in Latin America. CCCC and Macquarie are strategic partners in global business development. Investing alongside their other MDC partners, Macquarie and CCCC will combine the two companies' strengths and deepen the collaboration in the global infrastructure market. May MDC have a bright and prosperous future."

Cristiano Ayers, Partner at Banco Modal, said:

"This partnership is a clear indication that infrastructure projects in Latin America are becoming more and more attractive to foreign investors. There is a huge pent-up demand for investments in infrastructure and logistics in the region and countries like Brazil - among others - will greatly benefit from the arrival of industry leaders such as Macquarie and CCCC. We, at Modal, are very proud to be part of this new platform."

Macquarie Capital will support MDC with its significant global development expertise in energy and infrastructure, its extensive project financing expertise and its demonstrated capacity to source and assess development opportunities in Latin America.