FIPB reconsidering Jet-Etihad deal

FIPB reconsidering Jet-Etihad dealThe government may announce its decision on the troubled Jet-Etihad deal anytime soon as the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) is once again mulling the deal.

The FIPB is holding a crucial meeting to consider Abu Dhabi-based Etihad's proposal to acquire 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways for around Rs 2,058 crore.

Sources said the FIPB is expected to give a green signal to the deal as the two carriers have addressed all the doubts raised by the regulators.

Speaking on the topic, a government sources said, "They have said they will meet all the regulations identified by SEBI and the aviation ministry after a clearance granted by the FIPB."

Last month, the FIPB deferred a decision on the deal, saying it wanted more clarity on the ownership and control of Jet Airways following the implementation of the deal.

Doubts raised by the FIPB and market regulator SEBI forced Etihad and Jet to submit a revised agreement with the concerned authorities. The Abu Dhabi carrier even agreed to have fewer directors on Jet Airways' board.

As per sources, Etihad agreed to have two directors on the 14-member board of Jet Airways, while Jet will have five directors. The remaining seven positions will be filled with independent directors. It means Jet Airways would continue to have effective control on the carrier after the implementation of the proposed deal.