EC could rule early on Ryanair bid

THE European Commission (EC) could deliver its long-awaited ruling on Ryanair’s proposed takeover of Aer Lingus later this month and earlier than originally planned.

The latest deadline for its decision has been marked down for July 4, but according to sources, the EC could make a ruling at its commissioners meeting on June 27.

While the feeling in Brussels is that the commission is still gearing up to reject the idea of the takeover; there is also a belief too that the EC may try to force Ryanair to sell its 25% stake in Aer Lingus.