Qatar Holding takes stake in Heathrow and other UK airports
Qatar Holding – a subsidiary of the Qatar sovereign wealth fund – has taken a 20% stake in airport owner and operator BAA which owns London's Heathrow and Stansted airports as well as Glasgow and Aberdeen in Scotland and Southampton in the south of England.
The Qatari fund - which also own’s London’s Harrods store - agreed terms with Spanish owners Ferrovial and other existing investors for the shareholding which is conditional upon approval of European Union competition authorities.
A consortium formed by Ferrovial, FGP Topco had acquired BAA in 2006. The agreed terms will see Qatar Holding enter the owners’ consortium with 20% shareholding, and commensurate reductions in the shareholdings of Ferrovial and other investors who participate in this transaction.
In a statement yesterday Qatar Holding said it maintains its view that the United Kingdom remains an attractive investment destination and there is long-term fundamental strength in the British economy. “This acquisition is a key element in our exposure to the infrastructure sector, and help to further diversify Qatar Holding global investment portfolio. Qatar Holding looks forward to working together with our fellow shareholders and the management team of BAA to enhance the company’s industry leadership and create sustainable value,” the statement said.
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