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Ireland: After long fight, Ryanair to lose Aer Lingus stake

By  |  August 26, 2013

Following a long fight with regulators, reports say Ryanair will soon be forced to divest its stake in Aer Lingus. Media said the UK’s Competition Commission may require the divesture of Ryanair’s 29.8 percent stake in the rival airline as early as Tuesday following warnings issued since last May about the ownership regarding routes between Ireland and Britain. Specifically, the watchdog concluded last May that Ryanair’s stake in Aer Lingus could prevent Aer Lingus from merging or entering into transactions with other airlines that would boost competition. Ryanair head Michael O’Leary has been outspoken about his disagreement with the Commission, and has attempted three times to fully acquire the Irish airline. O’Leary vowed to appeal any final decision made by the regulator.

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