IAG boss Willie Walsh is “hopeful” Ryanair will support its bid for a full takeover of Ireland’s national carrier Aer Lingus.
Earlier this week, the Irish government agreed to sell its 25 per cent stake to British Airways’ parent company, after months of discussions – The deal values the airline at €2.55 a share.
The deal still hinges on whether Ryanair, which owns 29.8 per cent of Aer Lingus, will accept the offer.
Walsh said the offer made is final and no increases to the bid will be made.
“We're hopeful that Ryanair will see this as an attractive offer for their stake in Aer Lingus and we will wait to see what Ryanair and the Ryanair board says in response to this.
"I believe Ryanair will see the merit of the case we have made, the value we are offering in terms of this takeover and will want to see the deal go through,” he added.
The Irish government agreed the sale of its stake after receiving guarantees from IAG that will ensure the airline keeps existing slots at Heathrow, maintains the number of flights between Heathrow, Dublin, Cork and Shannon for at least seven years and maintain the carrier’s head office and operations in Dublin.
Walsh said he had not talked to Ryanair for a few weeks.
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