The logo of Spanish airport operator Aena is seen on top of a welcome sign outside Adolfo Suarez Barajas airport in Madrid, Spain, March 9, 2016. REUTERS/Sergio Perez/File Photo

SAO PAULO, Aug 18 (Reuters) – Spain’s Aena on Thursday won the rights to operate the largest airport block auctioned by the Brazilian government for 2.45 billion reais ($471.61 million) .

Aena was the sole bidder in a block of 11 airports that includes Congonhas Domestic Airport located in the city of Sao Paulo, one of the busiest in the country.

The Spanish company, which already operates six airports in northeast Brazil, made an offer representing a premium of 231% over the minimum amount required. Aena is expected to invest around 5.8 billion reais in the block.

A consortium comprising XP Inc (XP.O) and France’s Egis has made the sole bid for the block comprising the airports of Jacarepagua in Rio de Janeiro and Campo de Marte in Sao Paulo.

The offer was 141.4 million reais and companies are expected to invest 560 million reais in the airports.

A group made up of Brazilian companies Socicam and Dix won a bidding war with Vinci Airports for licenses to operate airports in the state capitals of Para and Macapa for 125 million reais.

($1 = 5.1950 reais)

Reporting by Aluisio Alves; Written by Peter Frontini; Editing by Brendan O’Boyle

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