LUFTHANSA has agreed to acquire 41 per cent of Italian carrier ITA and could in the future purchase the rest of the state-owned airline.
Deutsche lufthansa reached an agreement with the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to acquire the stake through a EUR325 million (US$349 million) capital increase, reports London's Air Cargo News.
As part of the agreement, the MEF has also committed to a capital increase of EUR250m into ITA.
The two also agreed on options to enable a potential acquisition of the remaining shares by Lufthansa at a later date.
The acquisition of the minority stake is subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
Carsten Spohr, chief executive of Deutsche Lufthansa, said: 'As a young company with a modern fleet, and with its efficient and expanding hub in Rome, ITA is a perfect fit for Lufthansa Group.
'In Milan, ITA serves a strong catchment area which also offers potential for growth. As part of the Lufthansa Group family, ITA can develop into a sustainable and profitable airline, connecting Italy with Europe and the world.'
In a LinkedIn update the cargo business said: 'This investment is a great opportunity for Italy, ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group to strengthen the important Italian market for aviation and to develop it in joint cooperation.'
SeaNews Turkey
Deutsche lufthansa reached an agreement with the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to acquire the stake through a EUR325 million (US$349 million) capital increase, reports London's Air Cargo News.
As part of the agreement, the MEF has also committed to a capital increase of EUR250m into ITA.
The two also agreed on options to enable a potential acquisition of the remaining shares by Lufthansa at a later date.
The acquisition of the minority stake is subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
Carsten Spohr, chief executive of Deutsche Lufthansa, said: 'As a young company with a modern fleet, and with its efficient and expanding hub in Rome, ITA is a perfect fit for Lufthansa Group.
'In Milan, ITA serves a strong catchment area which also offers potential for growth. As part of the Lufthansa Group family, ITA can develop into a sustainable and profitable airline, connecting Italy with Europe and the world.'
In a LinkedIn update the cargo business said: 'This investment is a great opportunity for Italy, ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group to strengthen the important Italian market for aviation and to develop it in joint cooperation.'
SeaNews Turkey