A Scottish aviation services provider has agreed to acquire a controlling stake in airline TAP Air Portugal airline’s aviation services arm.
Edinburgh-based Menzies Aviation, which offers landside and airside services at more than 200 airport locations across six continents, confirmed it has signed an agreement to acquire a 50.1 per cent stake in Groundforce.
The agreement is a "decisive step" towards the recovery of Groundforce, which entered insolvency in August 2021.
The aviation services company operates at five of the busiest airports in Portugal, and provides ground and air cargo services to several global airlines including TAP, its main customer.
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Menzies Aviation said that on completion of the agreement, it will have a 65 per cent market share in Portugal, with more than 3,000 employees.
Philipp Joeinig, CEO, Menzies aviation said: “Groundforce has had a leading position in the aviation services market in Portugal for decades and we are pleased to have signed this agreement which enables us to enter the market at scale.
"We will work to ensure a seamless transition for all stakeholders including airline customers and employees. This transition will enable to deliver the safest, most secure and consistent services to our airline and airport partners at these five airports across Portugal.”
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