The Belgian federal and Flemish governments are considering a joint acquisition of a 30 percent stake in Brussels Airport, currently owned by the Canadian pension fund OTPP (Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan).
The move could see the airport shift further into public ownership in a deal potentially worth up to 2.6 billion euros.
De Tijd reports this.
Initially, Australian investment group Macquarie was in talks to purchase OTPP’s shares, but reportedly backed out due to the steep price. Now, both Belgian governments are exploring the possibility of stepping in, with the federal government set to acquire 15 percent through state investment vehicle SFPIM, and Flanders aiming to do the same via PMV.
If the deal proceeds, the federal government’s stake would rise from 25 percent plus one share to nearly 40 percent, giving it a controlling interest. The Flemish government's share could grow from around 1–2 percent to roughly 16 percent.
The plan is politically sensitive. While Flemish nationalists see it as a strategic gain – some even suggesting the federal stake be sold entirely to Flanders – Francophone liberals (MR) oppose altering the current public-private balance.
Brussels Airport is a major economic hub, generating 8.8 billion euros in GDP and supporting nearly 65,000 jobs. Whether the acquisition goes through remains to be seen, as negotiations continue and financial feasibility is still under review.
