Just in the aftermath of an article by El Mundo who warned of the dangers of a new real estate bubble in Spain, none other than Bill Gates, the richest man in the world with an estimated personal fortune of 72,7 billion dollars, thought of breaking the delay and betting decisively on the so-called "ladrillo", as the "brick" is defined in and around Madrid. The American tycoon has indeed acquired 6% of the capital of the Fomento de Costrucciones y Contratas group for 113,54 million euros, thus becoming the second shareholder. Esther Koplowitz, a Spanish entrepreneur, remains the leading investor retaining 53,9% stake through company B-1998.
After the sale, FCC maintains a portfolio of 242.031 shares, equal to 0,19% of the share capital, while the remaining 39,9% is on the market. The news of the investment by Bill Gates immediately triggered purchases on the FCC stock which in Madrid gained 10,37% and soared to 17,3 euros.
On fears of yet another speculative bubble, the vice president and managing director of the Spanish company, Juan Bejar, promptly assured that Gates' entry is long-term with a permanent vocation. Furthermore, according to Bejar, the purchase of the package could be the first of a landing by the US tycoon in Spain: "when he chose Spain, with FCC as the first point of connection, it is because the country is attractive to him in general terms" , explained the top manager.
