AIB near to ending share buy-back

AIB, the country’s largest bank, is nearing completion of its share buy-back, following a further €80m purchase of its shares.

Brokers believe that, with over 90% of the process completed, the bank may withdraw form the market.

Bank of Ireland, however, has purchased just 1.3% of its shares in the market in 2003. They have shareholder approval to buy up to 10% of the issued equity.