Amid
reports of Gulf carrier Qatar Airways holding talks to acquire stake in
SpiceJet, the Indian low-cost carrier today said some foreign players have
evinced interest in the company but did not name its suitors.
"Though
few investors have evinced interest in the company post government allowing FDI
in civil aviation sector to foreign airlines, it will be very pre-mature to
comment on the possibilities of any fresh equity issuance to such interested
parties or confirm, deny names of any specific entity," Kalanithi
Maran-led Sun Group entity SpiceJet said in a BSE filing.
The
company made the statement following reports that Qatar may buy equity stake in
SpiceJet, which also fuelled a strong rally in its share price.
Recently,
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker had told reporters in Doha that the airline
was interested in buying stake in some Indian airline, but had not disclosed
any names.
"India
is a huge market, India is a potentially lucrative market. Qatar Airways will
be interested once we are sure the regulations and the laws are properly
liberalised," Al Baker had said.
The
statement of Qatar chief has fuelled speculations about the potential targets
in Indian aviation space.
Another
Indian carrier Jet Airways has already confirmed being in talks with Etihad for
a potential stake sale, while crisis-ridden and currently grounded carrier
Kingfisher
Airlines
is also said to be looking for potential investors.
SpiceJet
said it would like to reiterate that these are speculative media reporting.
Following
stake sale speculation, shares of Spicejet jumped as much as 8.5 per cent this
morning. The scrip was later trading at Rs 46.10, up 4.65 per cent in late
afternoon trade.
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