how would I have any information on potential investors? The bean counters in Goodbodys don't even have that info.
If you read any analysis on Aer Lingus at all, it's been well publicised that the pension deficit is holding back investors. Only last year Willie Walsh ruled out any IAG takeover of Aer Lingus, specifically citing the pension deficit as the main reason. Christoph Mueller himself has highlighted the issue a number of times over the last year at conferences and in several interviews.
So you have no idea what they will invest in and no idea what they will want in return but you want investors...........
Coming to a settlement offers shareholders no form of ROI, but it eliminates a major risk factor and clears the way for investors who would've otherwise looked elsewhere. It is also in the interests of Irish taxpayers that the issue be resolved as soon as possible, as it will remove any barrier to a potential sale of the state's 25% stake in the company and avoid the state having to sell their stake for less than its worth.
Options are pretty limited for Investors as they need a return and lets face it that only means a trade buyer.................
IAG would then have EVEN more of a monopoly situation at LHR so guess that rules them out as everyone hates a monopoly at one airport n'est pas and they would kill T/A routes.
A Mid East Airline but that is constrained by 49% rule plus potential of any US rules as well
LH.................no benefit to them as they had LHR slots and flogged them
AF............no benefit to them
May have missed someone but doubt it.