APG-QIC consortium to purchase 36% stake in Brussels Airport

Dutch pension investor APG has collaborated with alternatives fund manager QIC to sign an agreement to purchase a 36% interest in Brussels Airport in Belgium.

The consortium is jointly led by APG-QIC and also includes Swiss Life.

APG and QIC will own a 16.8% stake each in Belgium’s capital city gateway upon completion of the acquisition.

APG global real assets managing director Patrick Kanters said: “As a pension investor, we are continuously looking for attractive infrastructure investments worldwide that help us realise stable and long-term returns for ABP and other pension fund clients we work for.

“This investment in Brussels Airport, on behalf of ABP, fits the core of our strategy as it represents an attractive opportunity to gain access to high quality, resilient infrastructure with promising long-term growth potential.

“Together with our partners, we are excited to be working alongside existing Brussels Airport shareholders Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan and SFPI/FPIM over the long term.”

QIC global infrastructure head Ross Israel said: “I’m delighted that our team has been successful in their bid to secure a high-quality core infrastructure asset on behalf of investors in the QIC Global Infrastructure Fund and for one of our long-standing institutional partners.

“This addition to our portfolio provides our clients with important geographic and sector diversification and given its strategic nature, strong downside protection through market cycles.

“It also directly aligns with our strategy to use active management to build long-term value for our clients.”

Subject to regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to be completed over the coming months.

Located 12km from Brussels city centre, Brussels Airport connects more than 211 destinations and welcomed 25 million travellers in 2018.