The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday edition that the domestic energy industry received a boost from institutional investors as Adam Waterous closed the final round of a $1.4-billion private equity fund aimed at acquiring oil sands properties in Alberta. The Globe's Andrew Willis writes that Calgary-based Waterous Energy Fund (WEF) plans to consolidate assets in the Athabasca region by purchasing properties from foreign firms and private investors, initially focusing on expanding its existing investment in Greenfire Resources. Over the past six months, WEF has invested $450-million to secure a 56-per-cent interest in Greenfire, which is located near major oil sands developments owned by Cenovus Energy, Suncor Energy and MEG Energy. The fund's investors include both domestic and international financial institutions. WEF is acquiring oil sands properties at a time when foreign energy companies continue to exit the region and smaller private players are selling rather than trying to raise the money needed to build a producing property. The dominant oil sands companies, including Canadian Natural Resources, Cenovus and Suncor, are also bulking up. Mr. Waterous says WEF backers recognize the region's long-life assets.