For some time now, the Israir Group has been trying to get a stake in the Czech airline Smartwings. A full takeover is also in the offing. As part of a stock exchange announcement, it has now been informed that an updated offer will be sent to the Chinese 49,92 percent shareholder Citic.

Through Rainbow Wisdom Investments, Citic China has a stake in Smartwings Group to the extent previously mentioned. By June 27, 2023, Israir intends to submit an updated offer for the acquisition of the shares and at the same time make a significant down payment in favor of the Chinese shareholder.

Israir is also in negotiations with the Czech shareholders, who own the majority of Smartwings. According to the stock exchange announcement, it is assumed that the ongoing negotiations will lead to purchase agreements. Furthermore, the Israeli aviation company points out that it is currently not possible to assess whether it will be possible to gain control of Smartwings or not. The 50,08 percent majority of the Czech airline group, which once included CSA, is held by EH Group, UG Jet 2 and Unimex Group.

The takeover attempt has been going on for almost a year, because in July 2022 Israir issued a stock market announcement for the first time, in which it was informed that it was trying to buy a European airline. At that time it was not mentioned which carrier it is. It was only officially confirmed in November 2022 that these are Smartwings.