Speculation continues that AIB may sell stake in Polish bank

AIB has declined to comment on continuing speculation that it may be on the verge of selling its 70% controlling stake in Polish bank, Bank Zachodni WBK.

For some time, the disposal of one or other of AIB’s main overseas interests – either in Poland or its 25% stake in M&T Bank in the US – has been speculated upon as a way of raising further funds for the group, but management has consistently played down the possibility.

However, AIB’s reaction to the Government’s NAMA proposals, on Wednesday, included word that it now intends to raise about €2 billion in fresh capital over the next 12-18 months. It said it could do this by a number of means – through increased private investment, potentially selling a minority stake in the group or through the disposal of certain assets.