LONDON: Irish airline Aer Lingus has shown an interest to accept a €1.36bn (£1bn) takeover offer from British Airways owner IAG.
But Aer Lingus said before it formally recommends the offer, IAG must “address the interests of relevant parties”.
That is thought to mean its two biggest shareholders – the Irish government and Ryanair – and the unions.
The government owns 25.1% of the airline, and Ryanair has a 29.8% stake.
Aer Lingus said: “The board has indicated to IAG that the financial terms are at a level at which it would be willing to recommend [the offer] subject to being satisfied with the manner in which IAG proposes to address the interests of relevant parties”.
Aer Lingus also stressed that IAG plans to operate Aer Lingus as a separate business, with its own brand, management and operations, should the takeover go ahead.
The trade union representing most Aer Lingus staff, Impact, has said that a takeover could lead to the loss of up to 1,200 jobs – a quarter of the workforce.
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