German carrier Lufthansa and shipping firm MSC Group have jointly submitted an expression of interest to acquire the majority of new Italian national carrier ITA Airways.
The airline, which launched operations in succession to Alitalia in October last year, says MSC Group agreed with Lufthansa to participate in the partnership on terms to be defined during due diligence.
MSC is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
”Both the MSC Group and Lufthansa have expressed the wish that the Italian Government maintains a minority stake in the company,” ITA says.
The bidders have requested 90 days of exclusivity to work on the expression of interest.
”ITA Airways is satisfied that the work carried out in recent months to offer the best prospects to the company is starting to have the expected results, providing for a company recognised as viable for partners of international reputation both in passenger and cargo transport,” the airline says.
It adds that its board will examine details of the expression of interest at an upcoming meeting.
