At least three potential bidders for Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX:TRZ) said they are not currently interested in acquiring the tour operator after Air Canada terminated its deal to purchase the struggling company late last week. Since the deal fell apart, Transat has been weighing its options, including seeking long-term funding and potential government support. In an email statement on April 6, 2021, it reiterated that it would also consider other acquirers, including an offer from Quebecor Inc. (TSX:QBR.A) Chief Executive Pierre Karl Péladeau that remains on the table.

“We will now have whatever discussions are necessary to consider all our options,” Transat spokesperson Christophe Hennebelle said in the statement. But at least two companies that previously expressed interest say they are no longer in the running for Transat. Groupe Mach Inc. is no longer interested in the deal, President Vincent Chiara said in a phone interview.

“We have no more interest, we have moved on with other strategic partners,” Chiara said, adding that he has recently been contacted by other parties interested in submitting a joint bid for Transat, but has turned them down. Dominik Pigeon, head of financial services company FNC Capital, which expressed interest in bidding with a group of investors in 2019, has also said that he currently is not in a position to make an offer. “In the current context, FNC Capital alone has not what is required to make it a success,” Pigeon said in an email statement.

“Because of all these elements, Péladeau's offer may be the best one today.” A third potential suitor, WestJet Airlines Ltd. told the Financial Post in an email that its not considering bidding on Transat.