Macquarie Asset Management, via Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 6, has reached an agreement with Antin Infrastructure Partners to acquire Roadchef motorway services.
Macquarie Asset Management intends to support Roadchef to develop and accelerate the rollout of fast-charging infrastructure and services for electric vehicles (EVs) across its estate.
Roadchef is a leading UK motorway service area (MSA) operator with 30 locations across the UK motorway network serving over 52 million customers every year. As the only permitted commercial presence on motorways, motorway service areas (MSAs) provide essential services to motorists, including rest areas, toilets, food and beverage outlets, refuelling/recharging facilities and accommodation.
Macquarie Asset Management’s investment will also enable Roadchef to invest further in its sites, facilities, and partnerships with a number of the UK’s most popular brands such as McDonald’s, Costa Coffee and Leon.
Gordon Parsons, Macquarie Asset Management senior managing director, said: “As a key part of the UK’s motorway infrastructure, we believe Roadchef has a major role to play in facilitating the transition to net zero.
“Its extensive network of locations across the country make it well positioned to support the fast-charging infrastructure that is key to the adoption of electric and low carbon vehicles.
“We look forward to working closely with the management team to develop Roadchef’s energy transition strategy and its offering for motorists.”
Ade Thomas, EV Summit and World EV Day founder, said: “Perhaps this is as much about securing access to vital real estate in and around major arterial routes. This is vital to making public charging infrastructure accessible, at the enhanced levels needed, in the mainstreaming of EV.”
