Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, has announced that it has completed the acquisition of a 22.6% stake in FGP TopCo (TopCo), the holding company for Heathrow Airport Holdings from Ferrovial SE and certain other TopCo shareholders.
Concurrently, PIF has acquired 15% of TopCo from the same shareholders through a separate vehicle.
On the strategic move, Mathias Burghardt, the Executive VP and Head of Infrastructure, said: "We are extremely proud to become part of the Heathrow family. Heathrow is an iconic global infrastructure asset, and this transaction marks another milestone moment for Ardian."
"We are passionate about infrastructure and the role it plays enabling growth and supporting the transition to net zero. We intend to support the Heathrow management team as they work to achieve both goals, growing the airport sustainably over the years ahead," he stated.
Juan Angoitia Grijalba, the Co-head of Infrastructure Europe & Senior Managing Director, said the UK was a priority market for Ardian, and this transaction builds on its 17-year track record of successful infrastructure investments in the country.
"Our investment in Europe’s leading airport and the UK’s international gateway will draw on Ardian’s expertise in aviation, including previous investments in London Luton Airport and stakes in six airports in Italy," observed Grijalba.
"And it is another example of how we are delivering Ardian’s strategy of investing in significant infrastructure in our core markets. We are delighted to be part of Heathrow’s future and committed to helping it grow sustainably," he added.
Lord Deghton, the Chairman of Heathrow Airport Holdings said: "Heathrow is a vital national asset connecting the UK to the world and driving prosperity in every corner of the country. We’re delighted to welcome Ardian and PIF as new shareholders and investors in Heathrow’s future."
"We have a Board of experienced infrastructure investors committed to our long-term development and growth, supporting our strategic journey to make Heathrow an extraordinary airport, fit for the future," he added.
A world-leading private investment house with broad expertise in private equity, real assets and credit, Ardian manages $176 billion worth of assets on behalf of more than 1,720 clients globally.
Spread across 19 offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Middle East, it has over 1,050+ employees.
Through its direct infrastructure investment activities, Ardian has significant experience in owning and operating European airports. In the UK, Ardian was a 49% shareholder of London Luton Airport from 2013 until 2018.
In Italy, Ardian is an indirect shareholder of Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Naples and Turin airports alongside their regions and municipalities.-TradeArabia News Service