An Australian bank has confirmed investment in three of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's biggest airports.
Following reports earlier this week that Macquarie was eyeing up stakes in Bristol, Birmingham and London City airports, it has now been confirmed that deals have been agreed.
Macquarie Asset Management has bought shares previously owned by Canadian outfit, the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.
The deals see it take a 55 per cent stake in Bristol, 26.5 per cent in Birmingham and 25 per cent in London City and follows reports late last year that the Canadian pension plan had started looking at offloading shares in the three airports.
Macquarie said in a statement that all three airports presented significant growth opportunities for airlines and a wide range of business partners and it was committed to supporting them to expand their route networks.
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Gordon Parsons, senior managing director at Macquarie Asset Management in Europe, said: "Collectively, Birmingham, Bristol and London City airports serve over 25 million passengers each year and are a valued home for leading regional and global airlines.
"Each airport has a unique path for growth ahead and we're supportive of the management teams' plans to deliver enhanced customer experiences and more routes to each of the communities they serve.
"We look forward to playing our part, as a long-term investor, to support all three airports on their development in the years to come."
Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan acquired its holdings in Birmingham and Bristol in the late 2000s and London City in 2016.
The London City Airport deal has been completed while the investments in Bristol and Birmingham are expected to reach financial close by the end of this year, subject to regulatory approvals.
The terms of the deals are not disclosed.
Macquarie has been an owner of and investor in airports for more than 20 years and its portfolio includes airports across Australia, Europe and South America.
Last year it divested from AGS Airports, the owner and operator of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports.
Birmingham Airport said in a statement: "We are pleased to welcome a new shareholder at Birmingham Airport.
"Macquarie Asset Management joins us at an exciting time as we get set to welcome a record number of passengers and invest a record level of capital in a 12-month period.
"Our focus remains on becoming the airport of choice for more passengers and partners, employer of choice in our region and a good neighbour to all our local communities.
"We would like to thank Ontario Teachers' for its incredible partnership over the years, especially during our most challenging times.
"Its support for our airport has enabled us to return to pre-covid numbers, having completed our busiest ever year in 2024.
"As we continue to deliver responsible and sustainable growth, we look forward to working with all our partners ensuring we are proud of every journey.
Charles Thomazi, European senior managing director with Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, said: "º£½ÇÊÓƵ airport infrastructure has been a key area of focus for us over the past 20 years and we're very proud to have supported Bristol, Birmingham and London City as they've grown, developed and continued to strengthen the experience for passengers.
"Each airport plays an important role in its region and, with all currently undergoing expansion programmes, will continue to grow and deliver for their passengers, communities and the broader economy.
"We are confident the airports will continue to flourish and are pleased to be passing the baton to new investors Macquarie as they support them in the next stage of their growth."
