New Delhi/IBNS: The central government has rubbished the reports claiming Indian multinational conglomerate Tata Sons won the bid to acquire debt-ridden national airline Air India.
Bloomberg had first reported the bid was won by Tata Sons.
Rejecting the claim, the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management said in a tweet, "Media reports indicating approval of financial bids by Government of India in the AI disinvestment case are incorrect. Media will be informed of the Government decision as and when it is taken."
Media reports indicating approval of financial bids by Government of India in the AI disinvestment case are incorrect. Media will be informed of the Government decision as and when it is taken. pic.twitter.com/PVMgJdDixS
— Secretary, DIPAM (@SecyDIPAM) October 1, 2021
Tatas had submitted the bid last month.
SpiceJet founder Ajay Singh is also among the list of bidders.
The central government has decided to divest its 100 per cent stake in Air India, Air India Express and 50 per cent in ground handling company (AISATS), The Times of India reported.
The Tatas, which founded Air India in 1932 as Tata Airlines, also operate Vistara, a full-service carrier, as a 51-49% JV with Singapore Airlines.
Notably, the group had also bid for Air India in 2001, but the then government had decided not to divest.
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