IAG target Norwegian Air has had many approaches, CEO says

Norwegian Air Shuttle has had takeover approaches from a number of potential bidders and is open to a deal on the right terms, the airline’s chief executive said.

Norwegian has rejected two offers by IAG, British Airways’ owner, and Deutsche Lufthansa is considering a proposal. "Several others" are also interested, CEO Bjorn Kjos told Bloomberg.

The potential suitors are "very well run airlines with good people", Kjos said. Having said he did not want to sell, Kjos has said he is now more open to a deal, which would depend partly on price and the effect on the workforce.

"If the owners want to sell, I will not stop it," Kjos told the newswire. But he said a sale now would feel too early because "we have not started harvesting."

IAG CEO Willie Walsh is reported to be considering a third attempt to buy Norwegian after building a stake of 4.6% in the carrier, which has launched a budget service to the US. Walsh has played down his interest, saying IAG does not need to do a deal and that he does not want to lodge a hostile bid.

IAG shares rose 0.5% to 722p at 13:21 BST.