No privatisation offer received, says AirAsia

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Bhd stopped short of confirming its founder Tan Sri Tony Fernandes’ interest to take the company private, saying only that it is normal for its major shareholders to be approached with various proposals, including one to raise their stake in the company.
It did however categorically state no privatisation offer has been made for it.
“The company will make the appropriate announcement to Bursa Securities in a timely manner in accordance with the Main Market listing requirements should there be any further official development on this matter otherwise,” the budget airline was responding to a news article which appeared over the weekend.
Meanwhile, AirAsia acknowledged that the management has over the years been receiving enquiries from aircraft leasing companies and investors from all over the world for its stake in its leasing subsidiary.
“These are parties who are interested in acquiring aircraft to expand their existing portfolio. And since the incorporation of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Asia Aviation Capital Ltd (AACL), we have received approaches from investors who are keen on co-investing in AACL as an indirect means of owning the aircraft in our fleet,” it said.
A news wire reported that AirAsia has been in talks with lessors, including cash-rich Chinese companies, to sell a stake in its leasing subsidiary.
AirAsia shares closed unchanged at RM1.48 a share yesterday, with some 23.9 million units changing hands.