GVK parts ways with BIAL, to focus on Mumbai airports

GVK Power and Infrastructure Ltd has announced the completion of the sale of its residual stake of 10 per cent in Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) held through its subsidiary, Bangalore Airport Infrastructure Developers Private Limited to Fairfax India Holdings Corporation for a consideration of Rs 1,290 crore (approximately $200 million). In March 2017, GVK closed an agreement which was signed during March 2016 with Fairfax India to sell a 33 per cent stake in BIAL. It had retained a 10 per cent stake and the management of BIAL. Subsequently, in June 2017, GVK announced its decision to conclude the sale of this residual stake to Fairfax India, subject to necessary consents and approvals.

Dr. G V K Reddy, Founder Chairman & Managing Director, GVK, says, “Since de-leveraging is currently our top priority, we decided to part ways with BIAL. However, we would like to reiterate that the airports sector will continue to be a core focus area for GVK. We will now focus on Mumbai as well as the Navi Mumbai airport for which we have won the bid and also on selectively evaluating privatisation opportunities. Capacity optimisation and real estate development will now be the priority areas for the existing Mumbai airport.”