Ardian, a world-leading investment firm based in France, today (July 11) announced that it has completed the acquisition of an additional 10% stake in FGP Topco Ltd (TopCo), the holding company for Heathrow Airport Holdings, from Ferrovial SE and other TopCo shareholders, La Caisse (previously CDPQ) and USS. With this move, it has increased its stake in Heathrow to 32.6%.
Ardian had already become the largest shareholder in Heathrow, having previously completed the acquisition of a 22.6% stake in TopCo in December last year.
Through its direct infrastructure investment activities, the French group 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.
During Ardian’s period of ownership, a significant redevelopment of the terminal, transport links and infrastructure was successfully completed in close cooperation with Luton Borough Council.
In Italy, Ardian was an indirect shareholder of Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Naples and Turin airports alongside their regions and municipalities.
Announcing the strategic deal, Mathias Burghardt, the Executive Vice President and CEO of Ardian France and Head of Infrastructure said: "This additional investment highlights the confidence we have in the future of Heathrow, Europe's leading airport, and Ardian's broader commitment to essential infrastructure as an asset class."
"Since we became the largest shareholder of Heathrow in December 2024, we have worked with our fellow shareholders, the management team and the UK authorities to ensure Heathrow provides the best service possible for passengers and airlines," he noted.
"As the airport continues to serve an increasing number of passengers and global trade, we look forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver sustainable growth for the airport, fostering economic benefits across the country," stated Burghardt.
He pointed out that this investment was a further sign of its commitment to supporting the UK's economic growth ambitions, combined with a net zero trajectory.
"We are very pleased to have joined the discussion with HM Government at the UK France summit this week," he added.
Juan Angoitia, the Co Head of Infrastructure Europe and Senior Managing Director at Ardian, said: "There remains strong and increasing demand for aviation which is underpinning the growth at Heathrow. This includes growing passenger demand, and the importance of cargo where Heathrow is already the UK’s biggest port by value."
"We are delighted the Government has recognized the importance of Heathrow and set out its ambition to see the airport expand. Our experience shows us Heathrow can grow sustainably, and we are ready to support the airport as it pursues expansion alongside the UK Government," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
