Norwegian’s share price rose 11% in early trade in Oslo after Spanish newspaper Expansion reported on Monday that IAG was preparing to bid a third offer of €1.52 billion after two previously unsuccessful attempts, citing unnamed sources, the Financial Times reports.
“What we can say, is that it’s business as usual for us, we’re expanding rapidly and sales are good. We can’t comment on the ownership situation,” Tore Oestby, Norwegian Air’s executive vice-president for strategic development, told Reuters.
“Our crystal clear focus is on the purely operational, and to work on costs and efficiencies,” he added.
IAG last month disclosed it had bought a 4.6% stake in Norwegian, but the budget carrier later said it had rejected two takeover proposals.
IAG chief executive Willie Walsh has since told Reuters that IAG would not make a hostile offer.
