Ryanair to detail ‘remedy package’

Ryanair will have to supply a detailed “remedy package” to the European Commission as part of the second phase of the EC’s investigation into its Aer Lingus takeover attempt.

There is a general consensus that the EC is not going to give clearance to Ryanair’s €694m offer for Aer Lingus tomorrow. This means that the takeover attempt will enter the prolonged Phase II investigation.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said he expected the EC to move to Phase II, but said he would offer unspecified remedies to allay competition concerns. Analysts expect him to try to convince rival airlines to commit to compete on the 44 routes where Ryanair and Aer Lingus currently have no third-party competition.