By Nathan Allen 
 

Atlantia SpA (ATL.MI) said Thursday that it has held preliminary talks with Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA ACS.MC) over a joint offer for Abertis Infraestructuras SA (ABE.MC), confirming Spanish media reports.

ACS also confirmed the talks in a filing sent to the market regulator early Thursday.

Spanish newspaper Expansion reported that Atlantia and ACS are looking to reach a joint-ownership agreement for Abertis in order to avoid prolonging the bidding war that has driven up Abertis's share price by 35% since May.

The newspaper reported that the two companies would split Abertis's Spanish and international assets between themselves.

However, ACS and Atlantia said they hadn't reached a definitive agreement.

Banking foundation La Caixa, which through holding company Criteria Caixa owns 22% of Abertis, is also involved in the talks, according to Expansion.

Shares in Abertis fell 3.7% in early trade on the news, while ACS and Atlantia stock rose 7.8% and 5.2% respectively.

 

Write to Nathan Allen at nathan.allen@dowjones.com

 

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 08, 2018 03:47 ET (08:47 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2018 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Atlantia (BIT:ATL)
Graphique Historique de l'Action
De Fév 2024 à Mar 2024 Plus de graphiques de la Bourse Atlantia
Atlantia (BIT:ATL)
Graphique Historique de l'Action
De Mar 2023 à Mar 2024 Plus de graphiques de la Bourse Atlantia