Press Release: Mergers: Commission prohibits Ryanair’s proposed takeover of Aer Lingus

The European Commission blocked in February 2013 a third attempt by Ryanair to take over rival Irish airline Aer Lingus.

In its ruling issued on the 27 February 2013, the Commission said the merger would have harmed consumers, reduced choice and led to increased prices for passengers travelling in and out of Ireland.

Aer Lingus welcomed the decision and said 'Ryanair's offer should never have been made'. Ryanair said it would appeal against the judgment.

• Primary Source

European Commission: PRESS RELEASE/07/893: Mergers: Commission prohibits Ryanair’s proposed takeover of Aer Lingus http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-07-893_en.htm

European Commission: MEMO/10/300: Mergers: Commission welcomes General Court rulings in Ryanair case http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-10-300_en.htm

European Commission: Press Release: IP/12/921: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Aer Lingus by Ryanair http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-12-921_en.htm

European Commission: MEMO/13/144: Mergers: Commission prohibits Ryanair's proposed takeover of Aer Lingus – frequently asked questions http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-144_en.htm

European Commission: SPEECH/13/164: Introductory remarks on Merger Ryanair / Aer Lingus http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-164_en.htm

ESO: Background information: Ryanair makes third bid for Aer Lingus http://www.europeansources.info/record/ryanair-makes-third-bid-for-aer-lingus/

Irish Times, 27.02.13: EU blocks Aer Lingus takeover bid http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2013/0227/breaking24.html

EurActiv, 27.02.13: Commission grounds Ryanair-Aer Lingus merger http://www.euractiv.com/transport/commission-prohibits-ryanair-air-news-518106

EUObserver, 27.02.13: Ryanair slams EU's 'political' decision on Aer Lingus bid http://euobserver.com/economic/119221

BBC News, 27.02.13: Ryanair's bid to take over Aer Lingus blocked http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21608407

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