Meridian Capital Ltd, a global investment firm based in Hong Kong, has announced that it has completed the sale of its shares in Russian regional airports owner Novaport Group to co-shareholder and long-term partner, AEON Corporation, a Russia based investment group. AEON founder Roman Trotsenko will now be the owner and primary shareholder of Novaport. “After fifteen years of joint ownership in Novaport, taking the group through major operational improvements and an expansion of its footprint, we exited this business which is now under the experienced care of Mr Trotsenko,” said Yevgeniy Feld, Principal at Meridian Capital. The investment was successfully exited by Meridian Capital at the end of 2019.

In 2004, Meridian Capital had invested in a minority stake of Novosibirsk Airport alongside AEON. Over time, the two partners oversaw an investment programme totalling approximately RUB 35 billion in the group’s airport infrastructure, becoming co-owners of one of the largest regional airport operators in Russia with 18 airports across the country. “The partnership with Meridian Capital has served Novaport well over the years as we worked together to bolster regional economic development and tourism, and increase the modernization and capacity of airports,” said Roman Trotsenko, owner of Novaport and AEON. Airports will need to adjust during this challenging time and we are prioritizing the safety of our employees, the airlines and their customers.”

“At Meridian Capital we are continuously monitoring the global marketplace and reviewing our investment strategy; our priority is to seek out investment opportunities and work with partners having the expertise to grow and enhance businesses,” said Feld. “We are extremely proud of the role we have played in supporting the growth of airport infrastructure in Russia over the many years of our investment in Novaport.”