Commission Approves IAG Aer Lingus Merger Subject To Commitments

The Commission has approved the acquisition by IAG of sole control of Aer Lingus. Previous attempts by Ryanair to increase its shareholding in Aer Lingus had been blocked by the Commission, and the UK competition authorities had ordered it to reduce its shareholding from 29% to 5%. Over 95% of Aer Lingus shareholders, including Ryanair, which has withdrawn legal challenges to the Commission and the UK authorities, and the Irish Government, which held 25%, voted in favour of the sale.

On 14 July 2015, the EC approved, subject to commitments, a merger whereby International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. ("IAG") the holding company of British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling Airlines acquired sole control of Aer Lingus, the publicly listed Irish-based airline.