Infratil and New Zealand Superannuation Fund acquire shares in Auckland International Airport
The New Zealand Superannuation Fund (NZ Super Fund) and Infratil
Limited (Infratil) have acquired a 6.20% shareholding in Auckland International
Airport.
NZ Super Fund holds 2.87% of Auckland Airport under its infrastructure management mandate with Morrison & Co and Infratil holds 2.14%. Separately, NZ Super holds 1.19% of Auckland Airport under mandates with other fund managers.
Infratil Chief Executive, Lloyd Morrison, said: "Infratil and NZ Super Fund are long term investors in the infrastructure sector. Auckland Airport is one of New Zealand's leading infrastructure assets with great long term growth potential. Infratil and NZ Super Fund began purchasing shares in Auckland Airport in 2006.
Growing travel demand in Asia Pacific region, the continuing strong performance of Air New Zealand and Qantas, and the large aircraft orders for growing Asian and Middle East airlines make us confident about Auckland Airport's prospects, irrespective of the outcome of Dubai Aerospace's current proposal or any other offer that might be made.
We have an open mind on the Dubai Aerospace proposal. We expect to be involved in considerably more discussion over what the optimal ownership, control, and capital structure of Auckland Airport should be and believe there is a strong business case for New Zealand investment."