Abertis Infraestructuras, S.A. has added another investment banking adviser to its line-up in its quest to buy a major stake in Melbourne toll road EastLink. The Spanish toll road operator is now working with JPMorgan, as well as investment bank Citi. The news, revealed by DataRoom online, comes as the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission on 21 September 2023 blocked an attempt by Transurban Group (ASX:TCL) to buy the asset. However, Transurban - the owner of most of the country's toll roads - is likely to appeal the decision in court. Transurban had Azure Capital, Barrenjoey, Macquarie Capital and Morgan Stanley as its advisers and was expected
to embark on a large equity raising to fund the acquisition. Yet the latest decision may open up the competition with other suitors who held back, given Transurban was seen to be well-placed to win. Queensland Investment Corporation was earlier known to be considering a purchase, while IFM may also enter the contest.