Update on CPPIB partial takeover offer

As of 12 March 2008, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) advised that acceptances have been lodged for 464,143,607 shares, representing 37.97 per cent of the total shares in the company. Of those acceptances, 341,555,784 shares have been lodged in the CPPIB acceptance facility. These shares can be withdrawn by shareholders prior to the close of the offer.

427,700,470 shareholder votes, representing 34.99 per cent of the total shares in the company, have also been received. Of the votes received to date, 25.68 per cent are against CPPIB acquiring a 40 per cent stake and 74.32 per cent are in favour of the offer.

Auckland Airport shareholders are required to make two decisions – whether to sell their shares into the offer, and whether to vote for or against CPPIB becoming a 40 per cent shareholder. CPPIB needs 39.2 per cent acceptances and a majority vote in order to complete the transaction.

The offer closes at 5.00 pm today.