26th Jan 2015 06:28
Berlin (Alliance News) - The Irish government plans to consider a takeover bid for national carrier Aer Lingus by British Airways parent International Airlines Group, the Irish Times reported Sunday.
Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe was reported as saying the government would assess the value of the offer and any impact of the sale on Ireland's links to the rest of the world.
National broadcaster RTE had reported on Saturday that IAG had made a fresh bid to take over Aer Lingus, its third attempt to do so.
RTE cited analysts as saying that IAG boss Willie Walsh, who is the former chief executive of Aer Lingus - and who failed in a management takeover of the airline - was particularly interested in getting hold of Aer Lingus' runway slots at London's Heathrow airport.
The Irish government, which has a 25.1% stake in Aer Lingus, will have the final say on whether to accept or reject the offer.
Copyright dpa
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