Autogrill has denied it is in talk to acquire rival travel concessions operator SSP, after reports in Italy suggested that the two groups were in discussions regarding a merger.
The group has responded to a news story published by Italian daily La Repubblica that it had been in "preliminary stage" contact with EQT Partners to buy SSP.
It said: “With reference to the news published today by some of the media, Autogrill states that at present there are no ongoing negotiations or contacts with the Swedish private equity fund EQT for any acquisition of SSP.”
EQT signed an agreement with Compass Group PLC to acquire SSP (then Select Service Partner) in June 2006. It currently holds a 72% stake in the company.
SSP's sales reached £1.7bn in 2011 with EBITDA of £130m.
