Ferrovial, a long-time investor in London Heathrow Airport (LHR) since 2006, has divested its stake in the major global aviation hub. The new stakeholders, announced on November 29, 2023, are Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the private equity group, Adrian. PIF is set to acquire 10% of Ferrovial’s shareholding, while the European investment firm will secure 15%.
.gif)
The sale, worth £ 2.4 billion ($3 billion) to Ferrovial, involves the purchase of shares in FGP Topco, Heathrow Airport's parent company. The transaction is pending regulatory approval and authorization from FGP Topco’s additional shareholders.
Current owners include the Qatar Investment Authority with a 20% stake, Singapore’s GIC sovereign wealth fund, and the Australian Retirement Trust, each owning 11.2%, as reported by the Financial Times. Luke Bugeja, CEO of Ferrovial Airports, reflected on the company's 17-year contribution to Heathrow’s transformation, which included an investment of £12 billion pounds, capacity expansion with the construction of Terminal 2, and operational performance improvements.
Ferrovial continues to hold a 50% share in Aberdeen (ABZ), Glasgow (GLA), and Southampton (SOU) airports in the United Kingdom, 60% in Dalaman Airport in Turkey, and 49% in JFK Airport New Terminal One in New York. PIF, known for its extensive global investments, has invested heavily in the aviation industry, including the upcoming Riyadh Air and Riyadh-based King Salman International Airport. PIF expressed its pleasure in investing in Heathrow, a world-class airport and key global gateway, aligning with its strategy to support the business as a long-term partner. Adrian also has investments in London-Luton Airport (LTN) and significant stakes in six Italian Airports.
