DUBLIN: The Irish competition regulator is to study an audacious takeover bid by budget airline Ryanair for its national airline rival Aer Lingus.

Ryanair, noted for its agressive tactics, has offered €1.48bn ($1.87bn; £1bn) for the former state airline in which the Irish government still holds a 28% stake.

The Irish Competition Authority says it will look at the proposed deal and the potential risk of creating a monopoly in the country's aviation market. A takeover would also need approval from the EU.

Data sourced from Telegraph.co.uk; additional content by WARC staff