PARIS (Reuters) - Channel tunnel operator Getlink on Friday said it welcomed the purchase by Italy's Atlantia of a 15.49 percent stake in its capital as a sign of confidence.

"The arrival of Atlantia, a major player in the infrastructure world, is fantastic news, a sign of stability and very positive for our shareholders and our staff," Getlink CEO Jacques Gounon said in a statement.

"This position shows great confidence in the future of Getlink and opens up very constructive opportunities for development," he added.

Atlantia said on Friday it had bought a 15.49 percent stake in Getlink for over 1 billion euros (891.85 million pounds), becoming the top investor in the operator of the tunnel between Britain and Continental Europe.

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon, Editing by Sarah White)

Stocks treated in this article : Getlink, Atlantia