18.08.08
The owner of Manchester Airport has confirmed that he has approached BAA with an offer to buy Gatwick Airport if the Competition Commission forces a sale, the Telegraph reports. However, the Manchester Evening News says it might be focusing north of the border instead.
Manchester Airport Group (MAG) has spoken to BAA chairman Sir Nigel Rudd to say that it is interesting in buying the London airport, ahead of a report this week by the Commission, which is expected to force BAA to put Gatwick up for auction.
Geoff Muirhead, chief executive of MAG, which also owns East Midlands, Bournemouth and Humberside airports, told the newspaper: ‘The group is interested in acquiring assets that will add value for our shareholders. We have a strong track record of running airports. We have a lot of skilled people who have developed very good relationships with airlines and other partners.’
However, MAG, owned by 10 local authorities, is unlikely to have the resources to buy Gatwick - which could cost up to £3bn and would be the subject of a bidding war - on its own, and is likely to seek to join up with other investors. Because of this, the Manchester Evening News suggests that MAG might not bid for Gatwick, and is instead mulling a swoop north of the border on Glasgow Airport, which could also be put up for sale.
Add to: del.icio.us | Digg it | Newsvine | NowPublic | Reddit
To book airport hotel manchester or airport car parking manchester at the lowest price click on these links to manchester airport parking and manchester airport hotel price comparison pages.
Copyright TMC Limited. All rights reserved.
Search & Buy