The Irish Government has sold a 5% stake in AIB for €652 million, reducing state ownership to 12.5% as it approaches a potential full exit from the bank later this year. The shares were sold at €5.60 each through an accelerated bookbuild transaction.
This marks the sixth disposal of AIB shares by the State, with the latest sale price 14% higher than the previous transaction in June. The total amount returned to the State from its AIB investment now reaches approximately €17.9 billion.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe noted strong demand from international institutional investors. The State’s shareholding has decreased significantly from 71% in early 2022 to the current 12.5%, suggesting a complete exit could occur this year.
AIB Group CEO Colin Hunt described the transaction as a milestone in normalizing the bank’s share register and returning the State’s crisis-era investment. The government is working with Rothschild & Sons as financial advisor, while William Fry and Allen & Overy provide legal counsel.
According to The Journal, a 90-day lock-up period prevents further share sales without prior consent from joint bookrunners.