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)