Finance & Funding

Ritchie Bros Auctioneers sold some US$3.8 billion of equipment at 356 unreserved auctions around the world in 2013. This is a 3% decrease in gross auction proceeds (GAP) compared to the record set in 2012. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the firm achieved gross auction proceeds of $1.1 billion, a record for the fourth quarter and an increase of 10% compared to the same quarter of 2012. "We achieved some notable milestones during 2013," said Peter Blake, CEO of Ritchie Bros. "In Canada, our most establi

The Liebherr Group says that its results for 2013 equal that of the previous year, despite a weak economic climate. The company expects turnover to hit €9.086 billion, while its workforce has grown to 39,670. Despite the conditions, Liebherr has invested more than €800 million in its operations, taking a view that market conditions will improve in the long term and that developing the company further will lead to future gains. The overall economic situation did not improve in 2013 however and according to

In the US state of California, construction is now underway for the State Route 91 (SR-91) Corridor Improvement Project. This improved section for SR-91 will run through the Corona and Riverside, both of which are located in Riverside County. The project will extend the SR-91 Tolled Express Lanes in Orange County into Riverside County, a distance of 17.6km. This includes a 13km stretch into Riverside County on SR-91, with a 5km flyover connecting to Interstate 15 from SR-91. Riverside County Transportation

The authorities in Paraguay have agreed a funding package with the Latin American Development Bank (CAF) for a series of infrastructure projects in the country. The funding comes in the shape of a US$222 million loan and this is the first time that the CAF has approved funding of this size for the country. This will provide partial funding for the Programme for the Improvement of Integration Corridors and Road Reconstruction. Projects included in this include resurfacing of a 73km section of road in Neembuc

In the Philippines a plan is taking shape for a major new connection between key tolled highways. The new road will link the South Luzon Expressway with the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx). The route has been planned by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) and the Philippine National Construction (PNCC). The new road connection will measure 13.4km long and will be a four-lane expressway. The project is expected to cost some US$521.5 million.

Concerns have been expressed regarding procurement practices in Poland for large infrastructure projects. Ulrich Paetzold, director general of FIEC, the European Construction Industry said, "Polish engineers and contractors continue to be concerned about the procurement rules and practices in the country despite recent changes in the procurement regulations and contract conditions." This comment followed a recent meeting between the FIEC and leading Polish consulting engineers and construction companies o

Further delays are adding to the sorry tale of woe surrounding the construction of the Blanka Tunnel project in the Czech Republic. The tunnel was supposed to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in Czech capital Prague. However following a series of disagreements over the work being carried out as well as the spiralling cost, financing, legal problems and various technical issues, the construction of the tunnel has finally ground to a halt. Czech construction firm Metrostav has said that it w

Talks have been held in Beijing between Chinese companies and Argentina's Finance and Federal Planning Ministry. Argentina Is keen for Chinese firms to be involved in 15 infrastructure projects worth a total of US$19 billion planned for the South American country. One of the key projects that has been under discussion is that of the Agua Negra Tunnel, which will connect Argentina and Chile through the Andes Mountains. China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) is one of several companies inter

Extra funding will help improve the road link connecting Malawi and Zambia. The African Development Fund (ADF) is providing a loan worth US$73.6 million for the fourth phase of the Multinational Nacala Road Corridor Development project. This route connects Malawi and Zambia and is of major economic importance to both nations, but particularly for Malawi as its transport connections with its neighbours are not well developed. The ADF is providing loans of $7.7 million to Zambia and a loan of $65 million to M

Key highway developments are improving connectivity for Ethiopia. The African Development Bank (AfDB) will finance part of the Mojo-Hawassa express highway project. The 209km highway will be constructed in two phases over a five year period, with extra funding coming from South Korea Exim Bank and the government of Ethiopia. Under the first phase, 93km of road will be constructed and the AfDB approved a $126 million package of funding for this Mojo-Meki section. Some $2.44 million is being provided by the