abertis ended the first half of 2012 with improvements in all of its main indicators. Particularly noteworthy are the growth in revenues (+1%), like-for-like EBITDA (+2.7%) and like-for-like net profit (+2%) during a period in which traffics in France and Spain once again declined.

These results underscore the quality of the Group's asset portfolio, which, along with the efficiency plan and current management drive, partially offset the negative impact of the economic slowdown in most of the main markets where it operates.

First-half results also featured an increase in revenues from the airports business and lower revenues at abertis telecom due to the decline in one-off revenues compared with 2011 and a smaller contribution from Hispasat after the disposal of two different stakes at Eutelsat’s share capital. Considering that Eutelsat controls 27% of Hispasat, these disposals have reduced the indirect stake of abertis in the Spanish satellite operator’s share capital.

In addition, 1H12 consolidated results included the capital gains from the sale of Eutelsat following the accelerated bookbuilding process among qualified investors for 16% in January and the agreement struck with China Investment Corporation (CIC) in June regarding the sale of an additional 7%. The capital gains from the Eutelsat sale boosted the Group's total net profit in the period to €767Mn (+121%). Stripping out these extraordinary contributions, like-for-like net profit stood at €286Mn (+2%).