The proposed merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines has taken another turn, with the government extending the deadline for accepting or rejecting the deal for the third time. The deadline was moved by just one day, from Thursday to Friday, suggesting intense negotiations are ongoing.
This latest development comes amidst a flurry of legal activity surrounding the merger. A Department of Justice attorney who previously argued against the merger between Spirit Airlines and JetBlue has reportedly filed papers to address the court in Hawaii. This move could indicate a potential legal challenge to the Alaska-Hawaiian merger.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, a US judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed to block the merger. The nature of this lawsuit and the reasoning behind its dismissal remain unclear.
The stock market seems to have reacted cautiously to these developments. Hawaiian Airlines stock saw a 6% rise on Wednesday, while Alaska Airlines stock fell by 2%. This divergence could reflect investors' uncertainty regarding the merger's future.
The exact implications of these recent developments remain unclear. Whether the merger will ultimately be approved, rejected, or face legal challenges remains to be seen. The coming days are likely to be crucial in determining the fate of this high-profile deal.
