Asterion, Ardian and Crédit Agricole Assurances agree deal for the 49% stake in 2i Aeroporti
Asterion lndustrial Partners, an independent investment management firm focused on infrastructure investments in the European mid-market, Ardian, a world-leading private investment house and insurer Credit Agricole Assurance, today announce that they have agreed the sale of 49% stake of 21 Aeroporti from Ardian and Credit Agricole Assurance to Asterion.
2i Aeroporti was jointly owned by ltalian fund manager F2i and the Ardian-led consortium along with Crédit Agricole Assurances since April 2015.
Throughout F2i/Ardian/Crédit Agricole Assurances joint holding period, 2i Aeroporti has grown and now holds direct and indirect participations in Milano Malpensa and Linate, Naples, Salerno (recently opened to commercial aviation), Torino, Trieste, Balogna and Bergamo airports, accounting for over 32% of passengers traffic (63m passengers in aggregate) and c. 70% of cargo (758k tons) in ltaly, as of 2023.
With a significant presence in ltaly, Asterion continues to grow its operations in the country and this represents its first investment in the airport sector, expanding its presence in mobility by acquiring a unique and strategic portfolio of airports with high barriers to entry, long remaining concessions and supportive regulations. ln line with its ESG strategy, Asterion plans to focus on emission reduction initiatives, ease the transition to greener aviation fuels, and promote Net Zero plans to make air travel more sustainable.
This transaction is also a new opportunity to partner again with F2i, who has steadily led 2i Aeroporti since the creation of the platform in 2010.
2i Aeroporti have set the highest standards for the group’s companies in terms of service of quality for the passengers, digitalization, and sustainability over the last years. Today, all airports of 2i Aeroporti are pioneers in their market segments and have received over the years several awards by primary industry associations (incl. ACI Europe).
ln 2019, Ardian’s Data Science and IT teams developed Ardian AirCarbon in close collaboration with 21 Aeroporti’s portfolio airport teams to support the Scope 3 emissions dynamic assessments at each airport. The platform uses granular, real-time operations data to quantify and project emissions. This enables airport operators to effectively monitor and reduce their C02 emissions. Today, the platform is used by the airports in the platform, notably to support on the an nuai certification process for ACA (Airport Carbon Accreditation).
2i Aeroporti set up several initiatives that have contributed to the increase in efficiency and passenger flow, as well as optimization of infrastructure. These include initiatives like self-baggage drop, biometric boarding, smart security for luggage inspection, flow monitoring and luggage reconciliation systems. At Naples, an innovative satellite guided climb procedure led to 33% reduction of population exposed to noise.
“We are committed to advancing 2i Aeroporti’s position as the first airport operator in /ta/y with sustainable growth and enhancing ltaly’s connectivity. Our strategy includes strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders and active/y supporting the aviation industry’s efforts towards decarbonization.”
- GUIDO MITRANI • FOUNDING PARTNER, ASTERION
“We are proud to have been shareholders of 2i Aeroporti along with Crédit Agricole Assurances over the fast decade and to have supported the growth and the development of the platform and ifs groups of companies in the interests of public and private shareholders. We have been able to help the group in the implementation of numerous projects and initiatives over the fast few years, particularly in terms of digitalization and sustainable development. Our industrial expertise has enabled us to better support 2i Aeroporti and offer ifs platform relevant and innovative solutions, such as the creation of Ardian AirCarbon. We wish F2i and Asterion every success for the company’s next chapter.”
• ROSARIO MAZZA • HEAD OF INFRASTRUCTURE ITALY AND SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR, ARDIAN
The completion of the transaction remains subject to the usual conditions precedent and the approval of the relevant regulatory authorities.
