EBRD acquires equity stake in operator of USD715 million airport PPP project in Bulgaria
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has made an indirect equity investment in SOF Connect, which operates and manages the Sofia airport through a concession agreement with the Bulgarian government. The EBRD will invest a total of EUR74.3 million (US$87.95 million), including a EUR58 million (US$68.65 million) equity investment and a further EUR16.3 million (US$19.29 million) contingent equity exposure.
SOF Connect is a joint venture between Meridiam, Munich airport and Strabag, which started operating in April 2021. The company has committed to a significant airport investment plan, consisting of building a new, third Terminal over the next 10 years and making environmental, health and safety upgrades.
Meridiam, the majority owner of SOF Connect, aims to make the airport a model of sustainability. As part of the concession agreement, the operator has committed to improving corporate climate governance and to applying the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. The airport will target climate neutrality by 2036.
Sofia airport is the main international airport in Bulgaria. The arrival of EBRD, a leading private-sector operator, is expected to increase the airport’s competitiveness and improve service standards.
Country news
-
-
July 23, 2020
Concession for Airport in Bulgaria signed
The government of Bulgaria through the Ministry of Transport has signed the concession agreement for the Sofia Airport with the consortium Sof Connect. The consortium's goal is for Sofia Airport to become a regional leader in the Balkans and Europes hub for connection with Asia.
Read more -
July 22, 2019
Preferred bidder for airport concession in Bulgaria
The French-German consortium SOF Connect composed of Meridiam Eastern Europe Investments SAS and the Munish airport operator, Flughafen München, has been selected as the preferred bidder for the concession of Sofia Airport in Bulgaria.
Read more -
May 13, 2019
Bids opened in the tender for airport concession in Bulgaria
Ministry of Transport, Information technology and Communications of Bulgaria has opened the bids in Sofia Airport concession tender. Airports De Paris Consortium S. A. together with TAV Havalimanlari Holding A.S have offered the highest annual concession fee.
Read more -
July 02, 2018
Bulgaria approves decision to open tender of the concession of Sofia Airport
Bulgaria's government has given green light to the decision of the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications to open the tender to operate Sofia Airport.
Read more -
April 02, 2018
Bulgaria to award Plovdiv Airport concession to China’s HNA Group
Bulgaria's government has selected a consortium between the China-based investor HNA Group and Plovdiv Airport Invest for the 35-year concession contract for Plovdiv Airport.
Read more
