Denis O’Brien’s Communicorp media group is set to become the fourth largest commercial radio owner in the UK after agreeing the acquisition of eight regional stations.

Ryanair will formally lodge its appeal against the ruling by Britain’s Competition Commission — for it to lower its near 30% stake in Aer Lingus to just 5% — in the coming weeks, with the airline hoping for a quick reversal.

Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary does not expect that the airline will have to sell any of its near 30% stake in Aer Lingus when Britain’s Competition Commission rules on its findings next month.

RYANAIR carried 19% more passengers last month despite worldwide airline passenger growth hitting a five-year low in June.