Norton Rose Fulbright acts for consortium on Port Hedland International Airport deal

Global legal practice Norton Rose Fulbright is acting for a consortium comprised of funds managed by AMP Capital and Infrastructure Capital Group (ICG) in its acquisition of Port Hedland International Airport.

The transaction documents, signed on September 15, included an agreement to enter into a 50 year long-term lease, pursuant to which the AMP and ICG consortium will acquire a 100 per cent interest in the Port Hedland International Airport from the Town of Port Hedland.

The airport is located between the towns of Port Hedland and South Hedland. Both general passenger and freight flights operate to and from the airport.

Norton Rose Fulbright worked closely with the consortium’s other advisors on this project, including Macquarie Capital and KPMG.  

Norton Rose Fulbright partner Nigel Deed commented:

“The successful privatisation by way of long term lease of a significant regional airport reflects the continued strong interest in brownfields infrastructure assets from the Australian investment community and demonstrates the adaptability of the long term lease style privatisation across all levels of government.”

A Sydney-based corporate team, led by Nigel Deed, was assisted by Anita Choi, Raymond Lou, and Claudia Yasukawa. Andrea Rezos and Charmian Barton managed the property aspects of the transaction from our Perth office, and Chris Redden assisted by Jenida Satem and Celia Boyle managed the debt financing on behalf of the consortium from Sydney. Brisbane partner Tom Young advised on aviation regulatory and operational matters and Adrian Ahern handled the equity structuring for the consortium.