TBI PLC
5 March 2001
TBI plc
Sale of Australian Assets
TBI plc ('TBI'), the UK based regional airport operator,
announces the disposal of all of its Australian airport
interests and assets for a cash consideration of A$86.0
million (£31.2 million), to Hobart Ports Corporation
Proprietary Limited ('HPCP') and a consortium including BAA
plc ('BAA'), the Australian Infrastructure Fund ('AIF') and
the Utilities Trust of Australia ('UTA').
The airport assets, all of which are minority equity
interests, include a 16.1 per cent. equity interest in
Perth International Airport, a 19.9 per cent. equity
interest in airports in the Northern Territory (Darwin
International Airport, Alice Springs Airport and Tennant
Creek Airport) and a 30 per cent. equity interest in Hobart
International Airport. Completion of the transaction is
subject to Australian Foreign Investment Review Board
approval and is expected to occur by April 2001. In
conjunction with these disposals, TBI is selling five
technical services agreements relating to these airports.
The interests and assets being disposed of were first
acquired by Airport Group International Holdings LLC
('AGIH'), which TBI purchased in September 1999. As at 31
March 2000, the airport interests and assets were held on
TBI's balance sheet at A$68.7m (£25.0 million). This
disposal will generate an exceptional profit before tax
(net of disposal costs) of approximately A$15.0 million
(£5.4 million), representing a 20 per cent. premium over
the price paid by AGIH. In the period 20 September 1999 to
31 March 2000, the airport interests and assets generated a
profit before tax of approximately A$2.2 million (£0.8
million).
The sale of these interests and assets represents an
important step in the rationalisation of TBI's non-core
minority investments. The proceeds of the disposal will be
used to reduce TBI's borrowings.
Commenting on the sale TBI's Chief Executive, Keith Brooks
said:
'I am delighted to announce the profitable sale of our
Australian minority equity interests and management
contracts which is a key milestone in our strategy of
owning and managing assets only where we have operational
control. Minority interests, such as these Australian
holdings are not core to our future strategy'.
Note:
The exchange rate used in this announcement is A$ 2.75 to
£1.00, being the rate at the last practicable time prior to
this announcement.
Keith Brooks
Caroline Price
TBI plc Tel: 020 7408 7300
Charles Ryland
Buchanan Communications Ltd Tel: 020 7466 5000
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