IAG floats possible Norwegian takeover

British Airways and Iberia parent IAG is considering a possible takeover of Scandinavian budget carrier Norwegian, after taking a preliminary minority share in the airline.

IAG has disclosed that it has acquired a 4.61% shareholding in Norwegian.

Norwegian's share price has risen by more than 20% during 12 April trading.

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IAG says its shareholding will enable it to "establish a position" from which it could commence discussions with Norwegian, and that these could include the "possibility of a full offer" for the budget airline.

But IAG stresses that no talks have taken place with Norwegian and that it has not made any decision on making an offer.

IAG already has Spanish budget carrier Vueling as part of its airline portfolio as well as Spanish budget long-haul operator Level.