19 November 2007

JWS advise BAA on A$775m sale of Australian assets

Johnson Winter & Slattery has acted as the principal legal adviser to BAA on the A$775m sale of its wholly owned subsidiary which holds the group's interests in six Australian airports. BAA is Britain's largest airport operator and is the owner of Heathrow and Gatwick airports. BAA also owns airport management and retail contracts in the US. The group's Australian airport interests comprise a 19.8 % interest in Melbourne and Launceston, a 15 % stake in Perth and 10 % interests in three Northern Territory airports. The sale was to an Australian entity managed by Melbourne-based Hastings Fund Management and was finalised on 8 November 2007. The sale represents a continuation of BAA's strategy to dispose of non-core international assets. Shelley Hemmings was the lead JWS Partner on this transaction. Hemmings was assisted by tax Partners Richard Gelski and Jane Trethewey and corporate Partner Damian Reichel. Freshfields acted for BAA on the UK aspects of the sale. Freehills acted for Hastings Funds Management with Linklaters advising on UK aspects. Johnson Winter & Slattery firm details JWS is a national corporate law firm with 34 partners, and offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. The firm represents major private and public sector business organisations in a number of specialist practice areas. The firm is resourced with a bias to senior lawyers with exceptional legal and commercial expertise, ensuring timely decision-making and the delivery of superior legal services. Media contacts: Peter Slattery, Managing Partner Phone. +61 (8) 8239 7114 Mobile. +61 419 819 348 Email. peter.slattery@jws.com.au Alison Hatch, Communications Manager Phone. +61 (8) 8239 7148 Mobile. + 61 410 625 001 Email. alison.hatch@jws.com.au

Download: BAA Press Release 9 Nov 07.pdf (69 Kb)

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