BAA reportedly close to finalising deal for sale of London Gatwick Airport

UK's BAA is reportedly close to finalising a deal with a consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for the sale of London Gatwick Airport, for EUR1.65-1.8 billion (Reuters, 07-Oct-09). BAA owner, Grupo Ferrovial, reportedly hopes to finalise the deal before a UK competition hearing on BAA's airport ownership on 19-Oct-09. BAA has denied there is a specific deadline for the agreement, stating talks with a number of bidders are ongoing.