Despite an appeal by Ryanair, an inquiry by the CMA has
decided it must sell the majority of its shares in rival company
Aer Lingus.
Ryanair holds a stake of 29.8% in Aer Lingus, but it has been
ordered to reduce this to 5%. The airline had previously tried to
take over its rival on two occasions, both times unsuccessfully.
After the second failed attempt two years ago, Ryanair was ordered
by the Competition Commission to sell the majority of its shares in
Aer Lingus. Ryanair appealed against this decision, but was
unsuccessful, the CMA giving a provisional decision in April this
year and now publishing a final order requiring Ryanair to sell its
stake.
This follows International Airlines Group's (IAG) bid to
take over Aer Lingus, which is dependent on securing Ryanair's
agreement to sell its shareholding.
