Infrastructure manager Ancala Partners has paid an undisclosed sum for a 45% stake in Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA).

Ancala said it has bought 35% of the airport from Peel Group and a 10% stake from Liverpool City Council (LCC).

Peel and LCC retain 45% and 10% interests respectively.

LJLA is the UK’s 12th busiest airport and serves over 5m passengers.

Spence Clunie, senior partner, Ancala, said: “Transport infrastructure is a highly promising segment of the market, so we are delighted to be acquiring a stake on behalf of our investors in such a prestigious regional airport.

”LJLA has already seen substantial growth in recent years and we see strong prospects for this continuing.”

Steven Underwood, CEO of The Peel Group, said: “The successful track record we share with Ancala was a key factor in selecting them as our partner for LJLA.

”By building on the airport’s already exceptional operational standards and passenger experience, we aim to be best in class in all respects and to deliver increased value for all our stakeholders.”

Ancala and Peel Group announced in May 2017 the launch of a joint venture to establish Leep Utilities, an independent multi-utility operator.