ROME (Reuters) - Italian air traffic controller Enav said on Thursday it plans to expand its licences and software services business through mergers and acquisitions, and is evaluating the airport market, as part of a new strategy through 2026.
The group earlier posted revenue of 1 billion euros ($1.09 billion) for last year, pushed by a record number of flights, and said it would pay its highest ever dividend of 0.23 euros per share.
It said it had earmarked up to 250 million euros for investments in the next three years, estimating revenues could grow by a further 100 million euros in the period from these deals.
CEO Pasqualino Monti said in a statement that the regulated market - handling air traffic crossing Italian airspace and providing assistance during aircraft approach, takeoff and landing - would continue to be the group's core business.
Shares in Enav were up more than 7% at 1101 GMT.
The group said it expected air traffic to grow a further 7% in 2024.
($1 = 0.9163 euros)