Finance

Australia's IFM buys 75% of Spanish ground support equipment firm Air Rail

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on July 29, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 22, 2026

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MADRID (Reuters) -IFM Investors said on Tuesday it had agreed to buy a 75% stake in Air Rail, the largest owner and operator of ground support equipment for airports in Spain and Portugal, as the

IFM Investors Acquires 75% Stake in Spain's Air Rail Ground Support Firm

MADRID (Reuters) -IFM Investors said on Tuesday it had agreed to buy a 75% stake in Air Rail, the largest owner and operator of ground support equipment for airports in Spain and Portugal, as the Australian investment manager expands its presence in the Iberian market.

With the deal, whose financial terms were not disclosed, Air Rail founder Jose Manuel Garcia Prieto will retain a 25% stake in the company.

The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close by the end of the year, IFM added in a statement.

Madrid-based Air Rail operates at more than 50 European airports and manages a fleet of more than 4,000 units of ground support equipment such as boarding stairs, pushback tractors and baggage carts, 70% of which is electrified.

Australian pension funds-owned IFM said it had invested over 10 billion euros ($11.5 billion) in Spain in the past seven years, making the country one of its top global markets.

($1 = 0.8667 euros)

(Reporting by David Latona; Editing by Andrei Khalip)

Key Takeaways

  • IFM Investors acquires 75% of Air Rail.
  • Air Rail operates over 50 European airports.
  • 70% of Air Rail's equipment is electrified.
  • Jose Manuel Garcia Prieto retains 25% stake.
  • Deal subject to regulatory approvals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of Air Rail did IFM Investors acquire?
IFM Investors agreed to buy a 75% stake in Air Rail.
Who retains ownership in Air Rail after the acquisition?
Air Rail's founder, Jose Manuel Garcia Prieto, will retain a 25% stake in the company.
How many airports does Air Rail operate at?
Air Rail operates at more than 50 European airports.
What type of equipment does Air Rail manage?
Air Rail manages a fleet of over 4,000 units of ground support equipment, including boarding stairs and baggage carts.
What has been IFM's investment in Spain over the past seven years?
IFM has invested over 10 billion euros ($11.5 billion) in Spain in the past seven years.

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