OSLO, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Low-cost airline Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA said Thursday that it had not been in any discussions with the International Airline Group (IAG) over a possible takeover of the Oslo-based company by the owner of British Airways.
"Norwegian has just been made aware that the IAG has acquired of 4.6 percent of the shares in Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. Norwegian had no prior knowledge of this acquisition before it was reported by the media mid-morning Thursday," it said in a statement.
"Norwegian has not been in any discussions or dialogue with IAG about the matter," the company said, adding that it "believes that interest from one of the largest international aviation groups demonstrates the sustainability and potential of our business model and global growth."
Norway's public broadcaster NRK reported that IAG was considering submitting a bid to buy the whole Norwegian after it had bought 4.6 percent of the company.
On the Oslo Stock Exchange, the Norwegian's stock price got an increase of 40 percent, NRK reported.
IAG said that it considered Norwegian to be an attractive investment opportunity, and that it, being a significant minority shareholder, would initiate discussions with the management in Norwegian on the topic.
Norwegian spokeswoman Charlotte Holmberg called this speculation and did not want to comment to NRK the possible bid from IAG.