There were also reports today that IAG was close to gaining European Union anti-trust approval for the Aer Lingus takeover after improving concessions to ease competition worries, according to sources quoted by Reuters.
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The European Commission is due to make public by next Wednesday a decision on whether or not to sanction the Aer Lingus takeover.
Ryanair has attempted to buy Aer Lingus on three occasions over the past 10 years only to see its plans stymied by the competition authorities.
Ryanair said it would appeal in light of the fact that British Airways’ parent comapny IAG had tabled an offer for Aer Lingus.
Acceptance of the offer from global Consolidated Airlines Group, or IAG., signalled an end some deft corporate manoeuvering by Ryanair, which is based in Dublin, , and Aer Lingus.
“More developments targeting North America are a key strategic objective of IAG and this is where Aer Lingus’s acquisition is important”, said Euromonitor airline analyst Nadejda Popova.
IAG’s plans include building a new transatlantic hub at Dublin airport.
IAG has confirmed it wants Aer Lingus to join the Oneworld airline alliance, of which its brands BA and Iberia are members, and become part of of a joint business that IAG operates over the North Atlantic alongside American Airlines.
In a statement this morning, Ryanair said its board voted unanimously in favour of the deal for its 29.8% stake.
The deal offers Aer Lingus shareholders 2.55 euros per share – comprising 2.50 euros plus a 0.05 euro cash dividend.
The move now opens the way for a €1.3bn bid by British Airways and IAG for the Irish carrier.
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Buyout group General Atlantic will sell its majority stake in German laboratory services company Amedes Holding AG to Antin Infrastructure Partners, a specialised fund, the companies said in a statement.
