Ardian sells 49% stake in Luton Airport to AMP Capital

The sale comes four and a half years after the GP jointly acquired the airport alongside airport operator Aena in a deal with an equity value of £394.4m.

Financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, though Reuters previously reported that Ardian's stake in LLA was valued at more than $400m.

Ardian, which was invested in the airport via its infrastructure division, and Aena have since invested around £160m in the facility. According to a statement, passenger numbers have increased by 9.7% since the duo's initial acquisition.

The growth strategy focused on improving facilities by introducing new technology, investing in transport links and parking, and expanding the retail offering within LLA. It also led to an increase in the number of routes served by the airport, with flights to 140 destinations now available across Europe, Asia and Africa.

Ardian is also invested in 2i Aeroporti, which owns stakes in airports including Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate and Naples. AMP's investments in the space comprise the Melbourne and Launceston airports in Australia, and Newcastle Airport in the UK.

According to the report by Reuters, Ardian appointed Rothschild to manage the sale of its stake in LLA.

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• Topics
• UK / Ireland
• Exits
• Infrastructure
• United Kingdom
• Ardian (formerly Axa PE)
• Rothschild