Autogrill wants all of Aldeasa, reports indicate

Gavin Lipsith

The Italian group will aim for full control of the Spanish travel retailer if its fellow 50% stakeholder Altadis is acquired, according to Spanish press reports

Italian catering and travel-retail conglomerate Autogrill will try to buy the 50% of Aldeasa owned by Altadis if the Franco-Spanish tobacco manufacturer is bought, according to Spanish press reports. The Cinco Dias cited Aldeasa sources as saying that Autogrill, which already owns half of the Spanish travel retailer, would “exercise its option” to buy the remaining shares.

Altadis is the subject of competing bids from Imperial Tobacco and private equity firm CVC Partners. Rumours that the two suitors may launch a joint bid for the company have yet to be confirmed.