(BFM Bourse) – The Greek state plans to put part of the capital of Athens international airport, the largest in the country, on the stock market in February. This operation should be the largest IPO in Greece in more than 15 years.
The Greek state, which controls Athens International Airport (AIA), will float 30% of the capital of Greece’s largest airport in February, according to a press release from the AIA on Monday.
“I am delighted to lead AIA in what will be a historic IPO in Greece and in our sector of activity,” said Yannis Paraschis, the company’s boss, quoted in the press release.
Athens International Airport, which will be listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, welcomed more than 28 million passengers in 2023 including a large number of tourists and exceeded the previous passenger traffic record of 2019 by 10.2% , “demonstrating its ability to bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic,” according to the AIA press release.
The Greek state currently owns 55% of the airport’s capital, with the remaining share shared between private investors, including the German Airport Management Company, AIA’s largest private shareholder, which currently owns a small amount. more than 40%, and the Copelouzos family about 5%.
A major operation
Greece has embarked on the sale of numerous public holdings since the serious economic and social crisis which shook it between 2009 and 2018.
The listing of Eleftherios Venizelos Airport on the Athens Stock Exchange is expected to be the largest IPO in Greece in over 15 years, according to the same source.
“The project to diversify AIA’s investor base will unlock long-term value for the company and bring significant benefits to the Greek economy,” said Dimitris Politis, managing director of the AIA, in a statement. Greek privatization agency.
“Together with our fellow shareholders, we believe that this is an important step for the future development of AIA and for the strengthening of the Greek tourism industry,” he added. AIA has a concession until 2046 covering building, maintenance and airport activities.
(With AFP)
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