Investment Firm In Liverpool Stake

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT management company Ancala Partners has announced it has acquired a 45% stake in Liverpool/John Lennon (LJLA) for an undisclosed sum. The London-based firm purchased 35% of the airport from Peel Group, one of the UK’s largest private real estate investment and infrastructure companies, and 10% from Liverpool City Council. The two companies retain 45% and 10%, respectively.

Spence Clunie, senior partner at Ancala, noted: “Transport infrastructure is a highly promising segment of the market, so we are delighted to be acquiring a stake on behalf of our investors in such a prestigious regional airport. The airport has already seen substantial growth in recent years, and we see strong prospects for this continuing.” He added: “Our aim is to work with Peel to make [the airport] the first choice for passengers across the region, delivering new routes and services.”

In March 2018, the airport announced its ‘Strategic Vision to 2030’ which featured plans to serve more destinations and to increase passenger numbers to eight million each year. It also laid the framework for the expansion of the terminal building and additional car parking as well as passenger facilities including hotels, retail and food services.

Commenting on the acquisition, Steven Underwood, chief executive of the Peel Group, said: “The successful track record we share with Ancala was a key factor in selecting them as our partner for LJLA. By building on the airport’s already exceptional operational standards and passenger experience, we aim to be best in class in all respects and to deliver increased value for all our stakeholders.”

As the UK’s 12th busiest airport, the site is currently served by eight airlines, which carried more than five million passengers in 2018 to 50+ destinations throughout Europe.