Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets

Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA), now integrated into Macquarie Asset Management (MAM), is the world's largest infrastructure asset manager. The firm traces its roots back to 1969 with the founding of Hill Samuel Australia, later becoming Macquarie Bank in 1985. It pioneered the infrastructure investment model in 1994 with the underwriting of the Hills Motorway in Sydney and has since expanded its footprint globally through funds established in Korea, China, Europe, Russia, and India.

The firm's activities focus heavily on annuity-style businesses and essential services. Over the decades, it has grown through aggressive international expansion and strategic acquisitions, including Delaware Investments and the Green Investment Group. While it is a dominant player in infrastructure, the group also operates in capital markets, advisory, and retail banking, maintaining a non-hierarchical organizational structure across its global markets.

In recent years, the firm has been active in large-scale utility and telecommunications deals, such as the acquisition of Cincinnati Bell and Southern Water. Despite its success, the firm has faced public scrutiny over its management of utility debts and environmental performance in the UK, particularly regarding Thames Water. It remains a top-tier global financial services provider with a significant presence in 34 markets worldwide.