UK Competition Commission extends timetable for investigation into Ryanair's Aer Lingus stake

UK Competition Commission (UKCC) extended (26-Jun-2013) the timetable for its investigation into Ryanair's 29.8% stake in Aer Lingus from 11-Jul-2013 to 05-Sep-2013. The Commission recently stated in a preliminary finding that Ryanair exerted "material influence" over Aer Lingus through its almost 30% shareholding. Ryanair said it believes the extension is due to the Commission realising "it has no case and has produced no evidence of any influence or lessening of competition arising from" Ryanair's stake in Aer Lingus. Meanwhile the Irish Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport asked the Commission to order Ryanair to sell its entire stake in Aer Lingus. [more - original PR - UKCC] [more - original PR Russian]