Originally Posted by
Cofyknsult
Hi All,
Now that Aer Lingus has finally accepted the purchase offer by IAG (owner of BA, IB and Vueling)[...]
The offer has not been accepted. The Board simply said, "the financial terms of IAG's third proposal for the airline are at a level it is willing to recommend...." Acceptance depends upon the owners, not the management.
Originally Posted by
JDiver
IF the bid succeeds.[...]
It is a big if!
Besides the financial considerations to be made by the Irish government and FR, both of which own substantial chunks of EI, there are political considerations.
There is a great deal of speculation that IAG's interest in EI is largely for EI's LHR slots. Those in Ireland want to continue to be able to utilize LHR, but worry that BA will drastically (if not entirely) eliminate DUB-LHR service in favor of other London area airports.
There is also a great deal of consideration to be made to jobs being made redundant by the merger. Even if IAG commits to keep jobs in Ireland, politicians won't to face voters who fear losses nonetheless; one can imagine the headlines that will likely come, if the acquisition goes through, and down the road IAG finds that is no longer viable to live up to its commitments to keep jobs in Ireland.
There are some in Ireland that may not be ready for British ownership of their flag carrier.