Regional & City Airports Partners with ICG for New Growth Phase
Deal News | Aug 04, 2025 | Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)
Regional & City Airports (RCA), a top operator of airports in the UK, has partnered with Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) for continued growth after 12 years of collaboration with Rigby Group. The deal, set to complete later this month, will enable RCA's expansion in airport, cargo, and executive aviation sectors, also pushing forward sustainable aviation practices. Under Rigby Group, RCA saw steady growth with passenger numbers now over 2 million annually. ICG's involvement brings new momentum to RCA's operations, focusing on the transition to sustainable practices while leveraging existing leadership and revenue diversification. Both RCA CEO Andrew Bell and ICG's Managing Director Ludovic Laforge expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, which aims to harness RCA's operational success and strategic regional importance. ICG brings a global presence and extensive investment experience, further enriching RCA's potential.
Sectors
- Aviation
- Infrastructure
- Private Equity
Geography
- United Kingdom – Regional & City Airports operates multiple airports in the UK, and the partnership with ICG underscores commitment to UK infrastructure.
Industry
- Aviation – The article involves Regional & City Airports, which operates in the airport and aviation sector.
- Infrastructure – This partnership aims at infrastructure growth and development, a core aspect of ICG's investment focus.
- Private Equity – Intermediate Capital Group, a global alternative asset manager, is engaging in a partnership reflecting private equity investment activities.
Financials
- £5bn – ICG European Infrastructure's managed fund amount in Europe, indicative of their financial capability.
- $123bn – ICG's Assets Under Management as of 30 June 2025, showing their global investment reach.
- 2 million – Passenger numbers achieved by RCA, representing growth under Rigby Group.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional & City Airports | Target company | Company | Operator of airports like Bournemouth, Exeter, and Norwich, and owner of XLR Executive Jet Centres. |
| Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) | Bidding company | Company | Global alternative asset manager, entering a partnership to bolster RCA's growth and sustainability. |
| Rigby Group | Selling company | Company | The previous partner and investor in RCA, enabling growth over the past decade. |
| Andrew Bell | Chief Executive | Person | CEO of Regional & City Airports, overseeing transition and growth plans. |
| Ludovic Laforge | Managing Director | Person | ICG European Infrastructure, involved in strategizing the partnership. |