Air India, Indian merger to be over by 2006-07

KOLKATA: The proposed merger of state-owned carriers Air-India and Indian is expected to be completed in the current financial year, Civil Aviation minister Praful Patel said on Monday.

He informed that the consultant appointed for this purpose had been asked to submit its report shortly.

In view of the changing dynamics, this merger had to be done. Accenture had been appointed as consultant for the merger process.

Patel said the proposed initial public offer (IPO) of Indian would be done after the merger.

Merril Lynch had been entrusted to carry out valuation for Air-India.