The government today announced that they are extending the deadline for submission of Expression of Interest (EoI) in Air India to May 31, 2018 from May 14 earlier and also the date for announcement of qualified bidders has also been extended from May 28, 2018 to June 15. The government announced it in a corrigendum to the EOI document issued on March 28, 2018.
The government has also clarified while the bidder will have to maintain arms-length distance with other firms, they would, however, be allowed to realise operational synergies.
“… provided that confirmed selected bidder shall be allowed to realise operational synergies subject to applicable law with further details being defined in RFP,” the government said today.
The government has also allowed the shortlisted consortium to change its structure within fifteen days after the Request for Qualification document is out.
“Any change prior to the EOI deadline is permissible by withdrawing the EOI and submitting fresh EOI before the EOI deadline. If after shortlisting of bidders, a consortium bidder or a sole bidder desires to form a consortium by inducting new members, it shall have to apply for approval for such change no later than 15 days from the issuance of RFP,” the government said.
The government had announced to divest 76% in the Air India and the government has, in the queries sent from interested bidders, also rejected any request to reconsider any decision to retain 24% in the national carrier.
