Spanish construction company Ferrovial has launched an £9bn (€13bn) loan to back its takeover of UK airport operator BAA and will hold a meeting in Madrid today to secure further commitments to the debt package.

Banco Santander Central Hispano, Calyon, Citigroup, HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland are lead underwriting the deal. At today's meeting, the banks will attempt to persuade other potential lenders to act as sub-underwriters on senior and junior aspects of the loan.