Spanish airport operator AENA is planning to take over Luton airport from infrastructure group Abertis.
AENA, which currently holds a 10% stake in the airport, has exercised its right to bid for Abertis’ 90% holding, the Sunday Times reported, citing a story from infrastructure newswire Infranews.
An AENA spokesman declined to comment on the report.
Under the terms of the ownership of the airport AENA has first refusal over Abertis’ holding, giving it the right to make a bid before any other party, according to the newspaper.
It reportedly saw off a rival bid from Australian bank Macquarie
Abertis raised the prospect of selling its airports division earlier this year to focus on toll roads on telecommunications.
Luton is the UK’s fifth largest airport by passenger numbers and home to easyJet.