Macquarie accelerates fast-charging at Roadchef motorway services

Motorway service area operator Roadchef has been acquired by Macquarie Asset Management, with the express intention of accelerating the rollout of fast-charging infrastructure.

Macquarie Asset Management, via Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 6, recently signed the deal with Roadchef’s owner Antin Infrastructure Partners.

Roadchef is a leading UK motorway service area operator with 30 locations across the UK motorway network serving over 52 million customers every year. As the only permitted commercial presence on motorways, service areas provide essential services to motorists, including refuelling and recharging facilities, rest areas, toilets and food outlets.

Gordon Parsons, a Senior Managing Director at Macquarie Asset Management, 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.”

Mark Fox, Chief Executive Officer of Roadchef, said, “We thank Antin for their significant support over the past years, which enabled us to implement our growth strategy and strengthen our position as a leading UK motorway service area operator. We are delighted to continue our growth journey with Macquarie Asset Management, who recognise our potential and will continue to invest, grow and build Roadchef.”

The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2022. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.