MANAGERS at Teesside Airport have appointed legal and financial experts to help them appoint a private sector strategic partner.

Law firm Dickinson Dees and financial experts Deloitte and Touche will work with a committee of the airport's local authority shareholders, Durham, Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough, and Redcar and Cleveland, to appoint a company as partner.

Airport managing director Hugh Lang said there had already been significant interest from potential partners.

He said both the shareholders and the airport management had been encouraged at the companies expressing an interest in becoming involved the development of Teesside International.

"It is clear that many key players in the airport industry recognise the opportunities which can be developed at Teesside with the right level of investment and expertise. It is particularly important that, in assessing the expressions of interest and preparing a shortlist, we have high-quality legal and financial advice."

Dickinson Dees partner Nigel Williams said it was an honour to be involved in the project.

Shawn Bone, director of Deloitte and Touche, said: "The market for international airports is changing fundamentally. The shareholders of Teesside have demonstrated their forward thinking by seeking a strategic partner to assist Teesside International to expand, compete and grow. We are delighted to be advising the shareholders in this important initiative."

Once the shortlist has been decided organisations will be asked to put forward detailed proposals, with an appointment expected before the new year.