Irish State Sells Final AIB Shares, Exits Ownership

The Irish government has completed the sale of its remaining shares in AIB Group, ending state ownership and returning the bank to full private hands for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis. The final tranche comprised approximately 44 million shares, valued at about €308 million, sold to institutional investors through an accelerated bookbuild process. This transaction concludes a gradual divestment after the government's €22 billion bailout of AIB during the crisis. To date, the state has recouped around €19.5 billion through share sales, interest, and fees, though the full bailout amount is unlikely to be recovered. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe called the move an important milestone in restoring private ownership in the banking sector. The government still holds a significant stake in Permanent TSB, with plans to exit in the future.