Irish aircraft leasing company AerCap is set to secure unconditional EU antitrust approval for its $30 billion bid for General Electric’s aircraft leasing business, three people familiar with the matter have said.
The deal between the world’s two largest aircraft leasing companies would create a new financing giant and the largest buyer of airliners built by Airbus and Boeing.
The deal will reshape a global air finance industry that has in recent years attracted a flood of capital from investors seeking higher returns.
Analysts said that it could also set off more consolidation in the sector, hit by the coronavirus crisis alongside other industries.
The European Commission and AerCap declined to comment. The US Department of Justice wrapped up its review of the deal last month.
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