JORDAN. Groupe Aéroports de Paris (ADP) has struck a deal to acquire a 51% stake in Airport International Group (AIG), which runs Amman Queen Alia International. The move was first flagged in November, when ADP entered exclusive negotiations to acquire a majority stake in AIG.
Groupe ADP had owned a 9.5% stake in AIG through a subsidiary since 2007, when AIG won the 25-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession agreement to operate Queen Alia International Airport through a public-private partnership (PPP) plan. With Groupe ADP taking 51%, the remaining shares are distributed among Meridiam Eastern Europe Investments (32%), Mena Airport Holding Ltd (12.25%) and Edgo Investment Holdings Ltd (4.75%).
AIG said in a statement: “The entry of an investor such as Groupe ADP not only serves as a testament to the success achieved by Airport International Group, but also the success of a BOT pubic-private partnership in the Middle East, while proving the capability of Jordan’s economy to establish and sustain a partnership in the transport sector.”
Jordan’s Minister of Transport and Municipal Affairs, H.E. Eng. Walid Masri, said: “This project and other successful investment projects like it which are supported by His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, has become a source of distinguished pride for Jordanians and our visitors alike. It is the result of cooperation and hard work, aided by support from all the official entities security bodies. It symbolises an important milestone for the partnership between the public and private sector; a partnership between the Government of Jordan and the investor, Airport International Group, which has been lauded as one of the top 40 PPP’s in the world.”
Minister of State for Investment Affairs H.E. Muhannad Shehadeh said: “It has been 11 years since Jordan signed an agreement with Airport International Group to rehabilitate, expand and operate QAIA with local, regional and international experts in the field of building and operating airports. What we have today goes beyond a simple buy-and-sell agreement as it carries a strong message which states that the Kingdom has been able to prove once again that it can be an investment destination and a trusted stronghold for the most important of foreign investments.”
Groupe ADP Chairman & CEO Augustin de Romanet said: “This new step is strategic for Groupe ADP as it serves to strengthen our ties with Jordan. Queen Alia International Airport is one of the best airports in the Middle East, and Groupe ADP, having already been a shareholder through ADP International, has contributed to the superb performance and growth of the airport over the last ten years. By acquiring control of Airport International Group, Groupe ADP will be able to fully spread its limitless know-how, expertise and offerings. Alongside our co-shareholders we aim to reinforce the routes network departing from Amman, and improve the quality of service for passengers and the performance of aeronautical and retail activities, for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
AIG CEO Kjeld Binger said: “In recent years, Jordan has been in the global spotlight, evoking the interest of foreign investors with its investment-friendly environment and policies, which in turn, contributes to the Kingdom’s economic growth. We are proud to be working with Groupe ADP, as they possess a repertoire of internationally acclaimed airports and worldwide experience in airport management. This step marks a pivotal moment in our journey with Queen Alia International Airport, as we aspire to build on the substantial success we have achieved thus far, and reach unprecedented levels of excellence and innovation in the years to come.”
