If it is difficult to predict when the procedure for the sale of the state’s shares in Nice Airport (and Lyon Airport) will begin (the Macron law is still under review by the Senate and will very likely require another passage in the Assembly), we can already foresee that when the time comes, there will be no shortage of contenders.
After some rumors about the interest of the Vinci group, which manages regional airports in France and abroad, it is now the turn of the Benetton group’s sub-holding, the multi-utility Atlantia (which also manages the largest highway network in Italy and others abroad) to reveal its intentions.
On the sidelines of the company’s general assembly, its general manager Castellucci spoke directly: “We are very interested in this privatization and we have the right cards in hand to play this match.”
Indeed, the company is present in the sector via the Rome airports (AdR) of Fiumicino and Ciampino, among the most important in Europe.
ADR also holds shares in Aeroporti di Genova S.p.A (Genoa), Società Aeroportuale Calabrese S.p.A. (Calabria), and Acsa (Airports Company South Africa).
Mr. Castellucci did not deny the information concerning the opening of AdR’s capital to the sovereign fund of Abu Dhabi, Adia.
For the record, the company from this emirate, Etihad, has recently taken control of Alitalia’s shareholding.
The future of Nice Airport (and Cannes-La Bocca and Saint-Tropez-La Mole, controlled by the same company) could therefore remain in Europe and allay the concerns of the Mayor of Nice, who already envisaged the arrival of investors with slanted eyes or dark complexions.
Even though we are far from the conclusion, and new entrants might present themselves when the time comes, the interest of Vinci and Benetton-Atlantia suggests a solution that should not displease the Mayor of Nice, especially given his new regional responsibilities.
The Benetton group could have the advantage of compensating for the alleged “dispossession” of Nice’s “jewel” by the fact of also making beautiful clothes.
Finally, left in the pipeline (if they are not empty), is the optimal solution that is nothing other than a consortium of local companies that could join the local authorities (already shareholders at 40%) in the strategy and governance of the airport company. A “home” solution that could just as well be achieved intelligently with the aforementioned groups. We’re just saying…
However, in this case and to this day, more than beautiful intentions and their announcement effects, we are awaiting concrete actions.
