GHD tops technical advisor league table

One of the world’s leading engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services companies, GHD, has been ranked as the top technical advisor for infrastructure transactions and project finance in Australasia.

The ranking includes services delivered by its new brand GHD Advisory.

The league tables were produced by Inframation Group, a specialist news service covering greenfield, brownfield and refinancing transactions in the global infrastructure finance market.

GHD shares the top spot for Australasia with Arup, based on the number of deals in 2016/17, up from #8 the previous year. Globally, the company is ranked equal #15 (up from #18) for the number of transactions.

Looking at the value of deals, GHD also rose from #8 to #3 in Australasia, and from #48 to #11 globally.

Richard Fechner, GHD Advisory Executive Manager, Infrastructure Investment and Economics, says, “This is a phenomenal result that shows how effective we are at meeting our clients’ needs for strategic advice that integrates commercial acumen with deep experience across the asset life cycle: in infrastructure design, delivery and operations.

“Having advised on more than AUD 100 billion worth of transactions, we launched our GHD Advisory brand in 2016 to better highlight our distinctive offerings that go beyond the design and delivery of assets. Our team now has dedicated transaction advisors across Australia and New Zealand, including former senior executives and partners from governments, banking, advisory, asset owners and operators.”

Jason Fonti, Transactions Advisory Leader, says, “Vendors and investors seek out our services in technical, environmental, commercial, regulatory and social due diligence. Our analysis of risks and opportunities helps them achieve successful investment or divestment outcomes.

“North America and the UK are the next frontier for our advisory business as we capitalise on GHD’s presence and client relationships in these regions. Australian and New Zealand experience is particularly valuable, because it was one of the first regions where infrastructure became an investment class. Australia is also a pioneer in asset recycling, where government-owned infrastructure is divested, often through a long-term lease, to finance the next wave of public infrastructure projects.”