The firm, which was founded in 1848, was previous listed on the stock market in 1953, before being taken private in 2007 by two funds managed by Henderson, where it sold Chiltern Railways, launched its infrastructure fund (JLIF) and its environmental assets arm (JLEN), expanded into the renewable energy market and sold its management business facilities.

The group did not say how much of the business will be floated on the market, but said the proceeds will be used to fund new investment commitments and for general corporate purposes. Reports prior to the official announcement said the company is expected to be valued at around £1 billion.

The company, which worked on the M1 motorway, Sizewell B nuclear power station and Coventry Cathedral, had a proprietary portfolio worth £781m at the end of September 2014 generating annualised returns of 23-25 per cent. It’s got a stake in the UK Department for Transport’s Intercity Express Programme, the Manchester Waste projects, New Royal Adelaide Hospital and Denver Eagle P3.

Olivier Brousse, John Laing’s chief executive, said: “The need for new infrastructure worldwide is growing fast, driven by population growth, urbanisation and climate change. Governments and public authorities need the private sector in order to help with financing but more importantly with delivering and managing this infrastructure.

“Our track record is underpinned by annualised returns in a 23-25 per cent range on investments in infrastructure and renewable energy projects made and realised since 2007.”