France’s Vinci Airports is expanding its network by acquiring a portfolio of airport assets in the Americas and Europe from the infrastructure management arm of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS).

OMERS Infrastructure has agreed to sell its interests in Airports Worldwide (AWW) to Vinci Airports for an undisclosed sum. OMERS first invested in AWW in 2009. 

The AWW portfolio comprises operations at 12 airports located in the US, Costa Rica, Northern Ireland and Sweden. The portfolio’s interests include long-term management contracts or concession agreements. 

AWW also owns freehold airports Belfast International Airport in Northern Ireland and the majority interest in Stockholm Skavsta Airport. 

In addition, AWW provides services under management contracts at seven US airports.

This transaction enables Vinci Airports to expand its global network to 45 airports in eleven countries and three continents. 

Ralph Berg, executive vice president and global head of infrastructure at  OMERS private markets, said: “OMERS has worked closely with the management teams across the group to grow the portfolio, optimize performance and build strong relationships with airline partners and other stakeholders.”

The transaction is expected to close later this year.