Market Release
16 January 2017
Sale of Auckland Airport''s investment in North Queensland Airports
Auckland International Airport Limited ("Auckland Airport") has announced
today that it has advised North Queensland Airports ("NQA") that it will
offer its 24.6% investment in NQA for sale to existing investors for A$370
million. While all existing NQA investors are entitled to purchase their pro
rata share of Auckland Airport''s interest, two of them, Perron Investments
and The Infrastructure Fund, have already agreed that they will accept up to
the entire offer comprising all of Auckland Airport''s interest.
Auckland Airport Chief Executive, Adrian Littlewood says "Following the
completion of our strategic review in August 2017, we have undertaken
discussions with both existing investors and third parties regarding a
potential purchase of our interest in NQA. After an extensive process, we are
very pleased to have reached a position that will result in a sale of our
entire interest and that two existing and experienced infrastructure
investors have agreed to support NQA in the next stage of its development."
"The sale will enable Auckland Airport to focus attention on growing its New
Zealand travel, trade and tourism businesses and to recycle the proceeds into
supporting the significant step up in aeronautical investment at Auckland
Airport over the next five years that we recently announced along with our
aeronautical charges for FY18 to FY22."
The sale will be subject only to securing necessary regulatory and
counterparty approvals (if any) and completed in accordance with the
requirements of the NQA security holders agreement.
Auckland Airport is being advised by First NZ Capital, Credit Suisse and
MinterEllison.
Further announcements will be made as appropriate.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Investor enquiries
Suzannah Steele
+64 9 257 7043
suzannah.steele@aucklandairport.co.nz
Media enquiries
Simon Lambourne
+64 27 477 6120
simon.lambourne@aucklandairport.co.nz
End CA:00313062 For:AIA Type:MKTUPDTE Time:2018-01-16 08:44:26