Originally Posted by
Worcester
Wizz air is actually based in Jersey and listed on the London Stock Exchange and most of it shares seem to be in free float. There are a couple of analyst reports which suggest that Wizz Air may put itself up for sale so the investors can cash out. So sounds like it's"in play" and IAG could bid for it. Not sure if other companies may also be interested.
That's a bit misleading though. It's actually owned majority owned by an American private equity firm Indigo Partners but because of the >50% EU ownership requirements their holding has a complicated structure. They own 19% of the 56m ordinary shares, but effectively own another 69m shares in the form of non-voting convertible shares and notes. So in fact they effectively own an economic interest of 63%.
I can't see any compelling reason why management would want the business sold now: I can't think they've fully executed the expansion phase based on the money raised at last year's listing. But it may be the natural time for Indigo to cash out and if so a corporate sale would no doubt appeal. Any press/analyst coverage may just be Indigo waiving a flag though - it might not be coming from interested buyers.