Ferrovial corrects the government and says Del Pino called Sánchez, but he did not respond
Ferrovial understands that the transfer of its headquarters to the Netherlands does not require any government permission as it is part of the common European area and points out that the anti-takeover shield is designed for takeovers by foreign companies, not for mergers between two companies in the same group.
This is what Ferrovial’s outgoing Director of Communications, Juan Francisco Polo, told them in an interview on TVE 1, after the Government indicated that it is studying whether it can apply the anti-takeover shield and whether this move requires explicit authorisation from the Council of Ministers.
In addition, Polo wanted to make it clear that the Spanish legal system and the stability offered by Spain is on a par with the best in the world and in Europe, and has advanced that Ferrovial is working to announce a major investment in Spain in the coming days.
FAILED ATTEMPT TO CONTACT SÁNCHEZ
He also explained that the chairman of Ferrovial, Rafael del Pino, called the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, to explain first-hand the reasons behind the move, but that he was unable to speak to him, and pointed out that the request is on the table and that Del Pino is available to the Government and its president 24 hours a day to give full explanations.
The Ferrovial spokesman insisted that it has been working on this operation for months after many of its shareholders considered it necessary for the company to continue to grow internationally and that, once it was firm, it contacted the various government authorities, and said that in the last few days it has been sharing its point of view with the various ministries.
NEUTRAL FISCAL IMPACT
He also pointed out that there is no fiscal reason behind this measure, since from this point of view this transfer is absolutely neutral and does not obey the personal interests of Rafael del Pino or anyone else, but only the interests of the company to be a major international player in the world of infrastructure, always with its roots in Spain, which “continues to be a country of the present and the future”.
In this respect, he reiterated that the company is not fleeing or fleeing Spain, as it will continue to operate here, complying “exquisitely” with all its tax obligations, being listed on the IBEX, maintaining employment and developing all its projects. Moreover, he believes that it should be a source of pride for a Spanish company to be successful outside its borders.
The change of registered office to Amsterdam will involve the transfer of some 20 people to comply with legislation and will affect 50 % of the management committee.
THE ONLY COLOUR IS YELLOW
Asked about statements addressed to the leader of the opposition, Alberto Núñez Feijoo, Polo stressed that the company has had relations with all types of governments in Spain and around the world and that the only colour of the company is the yellow of its corporate identity and the red of the Spanish national team.
In addition, and after the criticisms made in recent days, he recalled that the ministers Nadia Calviño and Raquel Sánchez sent videos congratulating Del Pino for his business management skills after receiving an award in New York.
POLO’S DEPARTURE AFTER 13 YEARS
The company announced yesterday a change of leadership in communications with the arrival of Patricia Leiva on 27 March from Mahou San Miguel.
Juan Francisco Polo is leaving Ferrovial due to retirement after thirteen years at Ferrovial and will remain at Ferrovial for a period of time to ensure the transition.
