Post by : Badri Ariffin

Mexico’s leading airport operator, Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR), has taken a major leap into Latin America, signing a deal to acquire Motiva’s portfolio of airports for 11.5 billion reais ($2.16 billion). The transaction, which combines direct payment and net debt assumption, marks one of the largest regional airport acquisitions this year.

The purchase brings 17 Brazilian airports under ASUR’s management, alongside key international hubs in Quito, Ecuador; San Jose, Costa Rica; and Curacao. This acquisition is set to add more than 45 million passengers annually to ASUR’s current 71 million passenger network, based on 2024 figures.

ASUR, already present in Mexico, Colombia, and Puerto Rico, now gains a foothold in four new Latin American markets, including Brazil—the region’s largest aviation market. The expansion aligns with ASUR’s broader strategy to strengthen its regional presence and diversify its operations.

For Motiva, the sale represents a shift to focus on core infrastructure segments such as highways and railways. The company expects its net debt ratio to improve significantly post-transaction, freeing up capital for targeted investments.

The deal is expected to finalize in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Analysts note that the acquisition positions ASUR as a dominant player in Latin America’s airport sector, boosting its ability to handle growing passenger traffic while expanding its geographic footprint.

#Business News #Economic