HONG KONG, Jan. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Friedmann Pacific Asset Management Limited ("Friedmann Pacific") is pleased to announce that its acquisition of a 49.99% stake of Toulouse-Blagnac Airport ("ATB"), through its airport investment arm China Airport Synergy Investment Limited ("CASIL"), has been voted "Deal of the Year 2015" at the audience poll at Global Airport Development Conference ("GAD") 2015, the world's leading airport development & finance event. The transaction was the first airport privatization project in France, which also marked the first overseas airport acquisition by a Chinese consortium.
The Toulouse-Blagnac Airport deal was successfully closed in April 2015, after the team put forward a value-added proposal which aimed to create win-win situations for all stakeholders and provided strong support for the local economy. ATB is currently the biggest airport in southwestern France and handled more than 7.5m passengers in 2014.
"We are honored to be awarded the GAD's "Deal of the Year" and continue to be excited by this transaction and the post-acquisition development," said Dr. Mike Poon, Founder and Chairman of Friedmann Pacific. "We have obtained this landmark achievement after years of effort invested in the aviation industry in Europe. Thanks to the dedicated work of our talented and professional team, we managed to work hand in hand with the ATB teams to progress the delivery of our ambitious plans for developing the airport into an international airport offering quality services and become the gateway for Southern France."
The team has successfully attracted low cost carrier Volotea to set up a base in Toulouse. Implementation is expected to start in April, and that would mark the start for future airline developments on the platform. For non-aero projects, they are developing real estate opportunities with a hotel construction.
Going forward, the team will advance their work on improving the infrastructure, enhancing airlines' operational experience, as well as upgrading passenger experience while uplifting ATB's commercial revenues. "We will continue to enhance the value and efficiency of ATB, while actively participating in local and regional projects which allow all stakeholders to benefit from our investment," Mike Poon added.
"Our commitment to the global aviation industry remains unchanged. Airport privatization activities are expected to grow continuously in 2016 and ahead as it serves as a strong mechanism to encourage investment and stimulate economic growth. On the other hand, we need to be able to respond swiftly and adapt to market changes around the globe. With the experience and network gained from the ATB deal, we are well equipped to further expand our presence in global aviation infrastructure investment. Leveraging our knowledge of the Chinese market and Chinese investors, we are set to bring additional value to the airports that we invest in, and create win-win situations for all stakeholders and provide strong support for the local economy."
GAD is the largest gathering of airport leaders in the world. Over 400 senior industry leaders attended GAD 2015 and discussed airport finance, private sector investment and ownership of airports.
For more details and latest development of Friedmann Pacific, please visit http://fpam.com.hk/en/index.html
CONTACT: +852-3759-8488, pr@fpigp.com
