Ardian strengthens UK ties at historic summit
Market watch
Ardian strengthens UK ties at historic summit
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29 July 2025
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Private Equity
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Infrastructure
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London, United-Kingdom, France
Reading time: 4 minutes
Mathias Burghardt
Executive Vice-President, Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee, CEO of Ardian France and Head of Infrastructure
Mathias Burghardt is Executive Vice-President and CEO of Ardian France, the Group's main regulated entity, which acts as an AIFM for direct investment funds.
He has led Ardian’s Technology and Innovation strategy since 2019, achieving major milestones such as creating proprietary digital platforms to generate value in portfolio companies and enhancing the efficiency of Ardian’s teams through data- and AI-driven solutions. Mathias also supervises Ardian's IT, brand and communications activities.
Mathias is the founder of Ardian's infrastructure team and has been leading the group's investment activities in this sector since 2005, making it a global leader in critical infrastructure. In addition to transformation and decarbonization strategy for portfolio companies, Mathias has led the launch of specialized funds focused on hydrogen (low-carbon) and nature-based solutions, aiming to accelerate the transition of industries, innovate in these areas, and prepare for the economy of tomorrow.
Today, he has developed extensive relationships with international industrials and financial sponsors, public authorities and regulators.
Mathias Burghardt joined Ardian in 2007. He started his career in 1989 with Crédit Lyonnais in Media Telecom before heading HSBC Advisory and Project Financing in France.
Chairman of Ardian Foundation, Mathias is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Education - United Way, an organization with the mission is to promote equal opportunities and academic success for young people in priority education areas and rural zones.
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32.6% stake
Ardian became the largest shareholder in Heathrow Airport
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≈100%
Heathrow capacity operating
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37th
UK-France Summit: the most significant meeting between the two nations for many years
The 37th UK-France Summit was the most significant meeting between the two nations for many years.
Just a few years after Brexit, it was recognition that the UK remains a critical partner for France and for Europe, and that strengthening this relationship is the only way to control our shared destiny.
Held during President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK, both nations agreed to expand, beyond economic and diplomatic ties, their defense cooperation and more closely align their nuclear doctrines.
The UK, a key investment destination for Ardian
The UK, a key investment destination for Ardian
Ardian has long built conviction on the importance of the relationship with the UK: the firm has had a local presence for 25 years and has recently made very significant investments in the country, especially in strategic infrastructure, renewable energy, and the broader energy transition, but also iconic companies such as Audiotonix.
Most notably, last December Ardian became the largest shareholder in Heathrow Airport. During the summit, the firm announced the acquisition of a further 10% stake, reaching 32.6% – representing a total investment of c. £3 billion.
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c. £3bn
investment in Heathrow
Thanks to its unique position and network, Heathrow is the largest airport in Europe by number of passengers and the world's fourth-busiest airport. As the country's largest port by value, Heathrow plays a vital role in the UK economy.
However, the airport is already operating at close to 100% capacity. Ardian's investment comes at a critical juncture as the airport faces important questions about future growth and capacity expansion, including the potential development of a third runway. Ardian is a long-term investor and is investing to expand capacity in a way that is both sustainable and that supports economic growth.
Increasing Heathrow's capacity is essential for the UK economy. We are fully aligned with the UK authorities on this point, and on the need for this expansion to be delivered in a way that is consistent with the net zero trajectory.
Heathrow – but not only
Heathrow – but not only
Ardian's UK commitment extends well beyond airports. The AI value chain is at the heart of Ardian's equity strategy, and last year the firm invested in the UK-based data center platform Verne, which delivers low-carbon, high-performance computing capacity.
Also during the summit, Ardian's hydrogen-focused platform Hy24 signed a partnership with Hynamics UK to develop a hydrogen electrolytic production facility in Fawley, Hampshire, contributing to the decarbonization of national strategic infrastructure and creating new investment opportunities in the green hydrogen sector to support the UK’s climate targets.
Deepening cross-channel investment and cooperation
Deepening cross-channel investment and cooperation
Ardian's role as a leading investor in the UK was recognized at the summit as Mathias Burghardt took part in a high-level roundtable hosted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves.
It was an honor to join the discussions with HM Government, where we reaffirmed our support for the UK’s Plan for Change and the ambition to see Heathrow expand sustainably.
The roundtable gathered leading French and British figures from sectors of industry, finance and defense with the aim of deepening economic cooperation and bilateral investment activity across fund management, infrastructure, and low-carbon business initiatives, including cross-border fund activity, corporate partnerships, and capital market development in line with the UK Government's Modern Industrial Strategy and the French investment plan, France 2030.
All leaders agreed on the need for a closer relationship between the two nations, both from a business and a strategic point of view. Each country on its own lacks critical mass, but together we are strong.
