Auckland International Airport Limited, which is facing a partial takeover bid from the CPPIB, has signed a confidentiality deed with an international party that has expressed interest in the company.

The unnamed party had initially expressed an interest when the board asked its financial advisors to seek any other takeover offers in November.

Following the signing of the confidentiality deed, this party has been provided access to preliminary due diligence.

“Auckland Airport will keep the market informed of any significant developments with this party or any other party should they come forward,” says the company’s chairman, Tony Frankham.

The airport has also received formal clearance from CPPIB to seek other proposals while the partial takeover offer is open to shareholders.

Earlier this week, Auckland Airport’s directors recommended that shareholders reject the takeover offer from the CPPIB.

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