Cdp Equity towards entry with 10% in 2i Aeroporti
Negotiations advanced with majority shareholder F2i to enter the holding company of Italy's leading network of airports
by Cheo Condina
Cdp Equity negotiates with F2i the entry into 2i Aeroporti, the holding company with which the infrastructure fund controls Italy's leading network in the sector, with the 45% share in Sea (Linate, Malpensa and indirectly Orio al Serio) as the 'jewel in the crown'.
The negotiations, according to Radiocor, have been going on for several months and are well advanced.
Due diligence will begin shortly: in the event of a positive outcome, a binding agreement will be reached, which will lead the investment holding company controlled by Cdp to take over 10% of 2i Aeroporti. A share that at first glance may appear small, but will nevertheless be part of a broader agreement, which may open up various scenarios in the coming years, including one in which Cdp Equity may strengthen its grip on 2i Aeroporti.
In the shorter term, the aim is to participate - on the strength of the new shareholding structure - in the long-awaited tender for the privatisation of Catania airport.
The operation starts from a very simple concept: airports, also in the light of the geopolitical context and developments, are considered a strategic element at national level. Like, moreover, agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, digital payments, energy, tlc or defence. These are all sectors in which Cdp Equity, led by Fabio Barchiesi, in recent years as a strong partner has carried out recovery operations (Open Fiber and Ansaldo Energia), relaunches (Saipem-Subsea 7 and Fincantieri) but also growth operations, for example through its recent support for the maxi acquisition in the USA of Angelini.
