Governments often turn to shovel-ready infrastructure projects when they want to spur economic growth, and that won’t be any different in a post-pandemic environment. Public private partnerships (P3s), combine private sector efficiencies and productivity with government dollars and a desire to create jobs.
The goal with P3s is to effectively structure projects to meet the expectations of both sides. That includes allocating different risks and responsibilities to each partner and ensuring the business case is always front and centre over the life cycle of a project. There may also be issues around asset valuation, labour, financing, revenue collection and public perception around a project.
Working with a law firm that has experience advising on a variety of P3 projects is critical for this kind of arrangement to work. Osler’s Infrastructure Group has experience in project financing, engineering and construction, and has been part of P3s in health care, power, transportation and information technology. We’ve acted for equity sponsors, institutional investors, lenders, public sector entities, and design-build and maintenance contractors on complex domestic and cross-border projects.
With potentially more infrastructure projects on the way, you need to leverage a team that understands the opportunities and challenges that come with P3s.