OFT decision to refer Ryanair’s minority shareholding

decision by the Office of Fair Trading (“OFT”) to refer Ryanair’s minority shareholding in Aer
Lingus for detailed investigation by the Competition Commission under the UK’s merger
control legislation.

Aer Lingus’ CEO, Christoph Mueller, said: “Today’s decision by the OFT supports our view
that Ryanair’s shareholding in Aer Lingus is contrary to the interests of consumers and the
majority of our shareholders. It is unacceptable that our principal competitor has been
allowed to remain on our share register even though the European Commission blocked their
hostile takeover almost five years ago. We look forward to cooperating with the Competition
Commission in its investigation which we are confident will result in Ryanair being ordered to
dispose of its shareholding.”