Abertis shareholders consider bid for equity stake

Abertis Infraestructuras' major shareholders, Criteria and ACS, are reportedly exploring a buyout of the Spanish-based infrastructure corporation (Reuters/Bloomberg, 05-Jul-2010). The shareholders, which together hold more than half of the company's stock, are considering a leveraged EUR10.8 billion (USD13.5 billion) buyout by Luxembourg-based private equity firm CVC Partners. The two shareholders would reportedly sell a large portion of their stakes to a three-way investment vehicle with CVC. In addition to airport interests across Europe and the Americas, Abertis has interests in television services, highways and toll roads in Spain.