Aer Lingus for sale ?
28.08.11
Aer Lingus is reported to be for sale, with the Irish Government and Ryanair both indicating they are willing to sell their stakes in the Irish flag carrier. The Irish Government is expected to announce that it will sell its 25% stake in Aer Lingus and, according to the Times, Ryanair will not bit for the Government's stake and is willing to sell its 29.8% shareholding.
Ryanair has attempted to buy Aer Lingus twice in the last 5 years, but was blocked by European competition authorities. The OFT is currently investigating whether its shareholding affects competition on flights between the UK and Ireland. The value of its stake has also fallen by more than €300m to about €100m, although a takeover might offer a premium on this value.
BA's parent, IAG, has been suggested as a possible buyer for the Irish flag carrier. Its chief executive, Willie Walsh, was head of Aer Lingus before moving to BA. Aer Lingus is also the fourth largest airline at Heathrow, where it holds 3% of all take-off and landing slots. The airlines have a number of codeshare deals.
To book belfast airport hotel or belfast airport car park at the lowest price click on these links to belfast airport car parking and belfast airport hotel price comparison pages.
