IFM Investors: M&A at Vienna airport

A new shareholder for Vienna International Airport

Ecker & Partner was responsible for the communications around the acquisition of a 29.9% stake in Vienna International Airport by a fund advised by IFM Investors, one of the world’s largest investment managers operating in the infrastructure sector and based in Australia. The mandate began in mid-October 2014 with publication of an offer by IFM Investors and came to a successful conclusion with the closing process on 23 December 2014. Ecker & Partner was responsible for all of the PR agendas in addition to acting as a press contact for IFM Investors and being heavily involved in the dialogue with stakeholders. Ecker & Partner’s comprehensive range of activities extended from a press conference to announce the offer to the issuing of press releases at various stages of the acquisitions process and maintaining regular contact with relevant stakeholders.

It has been demonstrated once again that open and proactive communications and a transparent approach are essential in the acquisition of any asset as interesting and politically relevant as the Vienna airport. IFM Investors had a successful start on the Austrian market with the acquisition of a 29.9% stake in Vienna airport. IFM has also managed to position itself as a reliable and long-term partner of Vienna International Airport, thereby forming the basis for a long-standing commitment in Austria.