Autogrill heads race to buy World Duty Free

Nicole Mezzasalma

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The group is leading the charge to buy World Duty Free, according to reports

Italian retail group Autogrill is believed to be the frontrunner to buy airport outlets in the UK managed by BAA subsidiary World Duty Free, according to daily newspaper La Repubblica. The publication has claimed Spanish company Grupo Ferrovial, which took over BAA last year, is set to sell its World Duty Free stores through an auction in September to be conducted by Merrill Lynch.

BAA is the focus of a UK Competition Commission investigation. Earlier this year, Autogrill bought UK retail firm Alpha Airports Group, and analysts believe the purchase of World Duty Free would reinforce the company’s presence in the country and minimise costs through synergy with Alpha operations.