Competition watchdog clears Flemish investment in Brussels Airport

The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has approved Flanders’ entry into the capital of Brussels Airport. Through its investment company PMV, the Flemish government will acquire the shares previously owned by the Canadian pension fund Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP), becoming the airport’s largest shareholder.

The BCA gave the green light to the 2.77 billion euro deal on 1 October, confirming that PMV and the Federal Holding and Investment Company (FPIM) will jointly control Brussels Airport Company.

Flanders already held a small 1 per cent stake in the airport. Following the transaction, that rises to 39 per cent. That is the equivalent to a 52 per cent share in BAISA, the private consortium holding 75 per cent of Brussels Airport Company. FPIM directly owns the remaining 25 per cent.

The approval was granted via a simplified procedure, indicating that no competition concerns were identified.

Flanders becomes largest shareholder in Brussels Airport

The Flemish government is investing 2.77 billion euros in Brussels Airport Company through its investment fund PMV, giving it a 39 per cent stake...

belganewsagency.eu

Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele has previously defended the major investment, calling it a strategic move to secure a say in the future of the airport. He expects the investment to become profitable from 2028 onwards through dividend returns.

Brussels Airport is Flanders’ second-largest economic hub, supporting around 60,000 jobs and generating 5.4 billion euros in added value for the Belgian economy.

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