Heathrow owner Ferrovial (25%) probably keen to sell its stake
The Heathrow owner with the largest share (25%), Ferrovial, has opened the door to selling its stake, as it is unclear if it will ever be able to build a 3rd runway. A top executive at Spanish infrastructure giant Ferrovial said it would look at the merits of bidders if there are offers. It is likely that buyers are being informally sounded out about buying the 25% stake. Recently the regulator, the CAA, ruled that Heathrow will have to cut its passenger charge from £31.57 to £25.43 next year, so the airport will be less profitable. One exit option could be for Ferrovial to sell up to one of its fellow shareholders. Heathrow has proved a lucrative investment for its shareholders, giving them £4 billion in dividends between 2012 and 2020. Though in 2020 the Supreme Court gave permission a 3rd runway, Heathrow got rid of its expansion team, and would have to do a lot of work to reinstate the now outdated plans – against fierce opposition. . Tweet Heathrow owner Ferrovial opens door to sale of its stake By Oliver Gill, The Sunday Times November 5th 2023 Ernesto Lopez Mozo suggested bidders were “knocking on our door” for a piece of Heathrow Heathrow’s owner has opened the door to selling its stake as the fate of the airport’s third runway hangs in the balance. A top executive at Spanish infrastructure giant Ferrovial said it would look at the merits of offers if bidders “keep knocking on our door”. The remarks by Ferrovial finance chief Ernesto Lopez Mozo come amid claims that buyers are being informally sounded out about acquiring a 25 per cent stake in Heathrow. “They’ve been testing the market to see who might be interested,” one senior City source said. A long row over passenger landing charges at Heathrow was ended in September when competition authorities approved proposals from the aviation regulator for a cut in fees. Charges will fall from £31.57 to £25.43 ne
