The UK airports operator BAA today emerged as a surprise takeover target for Grupo Ferrovial, one of Spain's largest construction firms.
Shares in BAA, which operates Heathrow and Gatwick, rose by up to 20% following Ferrovial's expression of interest.
"Ferrovial announces that it is currently considering making an offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of BAA," the Spanish company said in a statement to the London Stock Exchange.