Hong-Kong based China Everbright Limited acquires Albania’s only international airport in Tirana

Tirana airport albania
"Mother Teresa" International Airport in Tirana, Albania

A HONG KONG based company will take over Tirana’s “Mother Teresa” International Airport in Albania. China Everbright Limited (“CEL”, stock code: 165.HK) has completed the acquisition of 100% shares in Tirana International Airport SHPK (“TIA”), after having signed the sale and purchase agreement in April this year. TIA owns the concession right to operate the Tirana International Airport until 2027.

Tirana International Airport is Albania’s most important transport hub, and is one of the fastest growing airports in Europe. Number of passengers increased from 600,000 in 2005 to 2 million in 2015. The airport itself is a testimony to Albania’s rapid economic development.

Mr. Chen Shuang, Executive Director and CEO of CEL said, “Thanks to the support of Albania government and TIA’s management team, CEL is delighted to have completed the acquisition of the Tirana International Airport. The acquisition is a proactive corporate approach to identify good infrastructure investment opportunities, which is in line with China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ Initiative. It also signs the first move of China Everbright Overseas Infrastructure Fund which is in the process of establishing. With CEL’s support and resources, TIA can further upgrade their facilities and hardware meeting excellence in all aspects. Also, leveraging on CEL’s extensive networks in China, we believe that trading and tourism between the two countries will be further promoted. Therefore, this acquisition is of great significance and value.”

CEL is experienced in the aviation industry and is the single largest shareholder of the Hong Kong-listed China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (stock code: 1848.HK).

“We are thrilled to announce an era of transformation with China Everbright Limited,” said Mr Rolf Castro-Vasquez, CEO of TIA. “The current shareholders and all employees have proudly developed the airport and served its passengers, providing state-of-the-art facilities. We look forward to further growth under the new shareholder China Everbright Limited, by delivering what our travellers need and wish for,” he added.

China is currently Albania’s second largest trading partner. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama have pledged to enhance infrastructure cooperation of the two countries at the fourth leaders’ meeting between China and Central and Eastern European countries (“China-CEE Leaders’ Meeting”) held in November 2015. China supports domestic companies in actively participating in Albania’s economic development while Albania is keen to expand cooperation in agricultural trade and tourism and plans to streamline visa access for Chinese people.

About China Everbright Limited

China Everbright Limited (“CEL”, stock code: 165.HK), established in Hong Kong in 1997, persistently pursues its “Macro Asset Management” strategy with specific focuses on cross-border asset management and investment businesses. CEL manages a portfolio of private equity funds, venture capital funds, sector focus funds, mezzanine funds, hedge funds and principal investment funds, all operated via an international management platform, and provides overseas investors with opportunities to explore and invest in companies with fast growth potential in mainland China. CEL also seeks investment opportunities from overseas and provides diversified financial services for its clients on the mainland. As of 30 June 2016, CEL’s total fundraising scale reached over HK$67.8 billion, with a total of 33 funds.

China Everbright Limited, a member of China Everbright Group, is the second-largest shareholder of Everbright Securities (stock code: 601788.SH, 6178.HK), a strategic shareholder of China Everbright Bank (stock code: 601818.SH, 6818.HK), the single largest shareholder of the Hong Kong-listed China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (stock code: 1848.HK) , the largest shareholder of Shanghai Jiabao Industry & Commerce (Group) Co., Ltd (stock code: 600622.SH) and the second-largest shareholder of the Singapore-listed Ying Li International Real Estate Limited (stock code: 5DM. SGX).

After the launch of “Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect” on 10 April 2014, CEL became one of the first batch of specific stocks listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong that can be directly traded by Mainland investors.

By practising its philosophy of “Making Wealth Simple”, CEL leverages its own substantial financial strength as well as the position and influence of China Everbright Group and its affiliated companies in the financial industry in China. As a result, the Group has successfully built huge cross-border social and business networks in Hong Kong and the Mainland, and established a reputable image in the market.

 

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