Government formally accepts IAG offer for Aer Lingus

The Government has formally accepted the offer by International Airlines Group (IAG) for its share in Aer Lingus

IAG this morning said it had received confirmation of the acceptance of its offer for the government’s 25.1 per cent stake.

Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe last night welcomed the outcome of the extraordinary general meeting of Aer Lingus shareholders which passed resolutions to enshrine the connectivity commitments secured by the Government from IAG.

He said the Government’s decision to support IAG’s offer was taken following very careful consideration of all of the issues involved.

“The Government believes that the IAG offer provides the best means of securing Aer Lingus’ future and enabling it to develop and grow in the best interests of the company itself, its employees, the travelling public and the economy overall.”

Meanwhile, IAG has extended its deadline for Aer Lingus shareholders to accept its offer by two weeks.

The British Airways owner has now given shareholders until July 30th to accept its offer of €2.55 a share.