Warusawa Associates, an independent investment management group dedicated to equity investments in emerging markets and a focus on local Japanese markets, today announced the final round of raising for its AMIF, a core infrastructure fund managed by Warusawa Associates Investments targeting high quality yen denominated utility and transportation investments. The fund closed its second Series after raising over ¥200m.

Atsuhiro Matsumoto, Partner, Direct Infrastructure at Warusawa Associates said “From closing Series two, we have efficiently deployed 70% of new capital. Our investors have been pleased with the pace at which we achieved this and the quality of the underlying investments.”

This year was a breakthrough year for AMIF. Significant fundraising, further team growth and continued strong fund performance, have confirmed AMIF’s position as one of the leading Asian infrastructure fund. Most significantly, AMIF demonstrated its ability to effectively deploy capital into new, high quality assets by acquiring 100% of a regulated gas distribution network.

Every asset in the fund continues to outperform its investment case resulting in strong fund level performance. Since inception the Fund has delivered an annualised net total return in excess of 12% including a net cash yield of over 6%. With this foundation, the Fund is now positioned to continue to outperform the market benchmark in its fifth and final Series. “We believe that a key component of AMIF’s success has been its unique fund structure which has gained momentum with institutional investors seeking transparent governance, efficient capital deployment, access to a cash yielding portfolio and limited blind pool risk.” Fumiya D. Yokoyama, Chief Executive Officer at Warusawa Associates remarked.
He further commented on the transition into the 3rd Series, “We are excited to enter the final Series of AMIF which is scheduled to run from June to November. Our pipeline looks promising and we are pleased with the volume of interest we have received from both current and prospective customers.”

About Warusawa Associates
Warusawa Associates is an independent investment management group dedicated to the equity investments in emerging markets and a focus on local Japanese markets. The Firm brings together principals with exceptional track-records and expertise in equity markets and corporate finance in Asia Pacific Region. Warusawa Associates manages/advises assets in long-short equity, hedged equity, and balanced strategies for professional and institutional investors through segregated investment accounts. Warusawa Associates is also a specialist property funds management company. The firm is managed by a team with significant exposure and experience in the property and funds management industries, both domestically and internationally.

http://www.warusawa-associates.com