Ryanair’s takeover of Aer Lingus blocked by Europe
Ryanair’s third attempt to takeover Aer Lingus is to be blocked by the European Commission.
The airline said it was notified at a State of Play meeting with the EC that the Commission intends to prohibit its offer for its Irish rival.
Ryanair said it will appeal against the decision to the European Courts and has already instructed its lawyers.
Ryanair claimed it had "met every competition concern" raised in the EU’s Statement of Objections during the review process, including providing the EU with commitments from two buyers to eliminate all competitive overlaps between Ryanair and Aer Lingus.
" IAG has committed that they would take over divestments of Ryanair’s and Aer Lingus’ entire London-Gatwick operations, and Flybe has committed to take over 43 Aer Lingus UK and European routes," it said.
"Given that the EU Commission recently approved IAG’s acquisition of BMI at London-Heathrow on the basis of three year commitments, the EU’s claim that it could not be satisfied of IAG’s and Flybe’s commitments to these Irish routes after three years is another example of the EU holding Ryanair to a much higher standard than any other EU airline," said a spokesman.
Ryanair’s Robin Kiely added: "It appears clear from this morning’s meeting, that no matter what remedies Ryanair offered, we were not going to get a fair hearing and were going to be prohibited regardless of competition rules.
"Given Ryanair’s remedies package clearly addresses every issue raised in the EU’s Statement of Objections, any decision to prohibit would be manifestly unfair and in contravention of EU competition rules.
"Ryanair has no alternative but to appeal any prohibition decision and we expect to get a fair hearing at the European Courts, as we haven’t received one from Commissioner Almunia and his case team.
"This decision is clearly a political one to meet the narrow, vested interests of the Irish Government and is not based on competition law."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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