The Italian government is exploring new possibilities for the sale of ITA Airways, which could involve Lufthansa and the national rail company, Ferrovie dello Stato (FS). This is reported by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. Earlier this month, the government announced it would resume talks with Lufthansa after inconclusive talks with a consortium formed by Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Certares.
Lufthansa said last week through a spokesperson that it remains interested in the acquisition. The original partner of the German group, the sea carrier MSC, refused to negotiate.
With FS, the Italian government, along with Lufthansa, has a new takeover candidate for the airline. Reuters news agency reports that government documents show the government wants to sell 51 percent of ITA to Lufthansa for 250 million euros, with 29 percent to go to Ferrovie dello Stato, with the rest remaining in state hands.
With the partial acquisition, ITA FS will be able to use a combination of air and rail transport. Moreover, it already offers high-speed lines connecting the main cities of Italy, the Italian newspaper writes. Cooperation can facilitate the transition to both modes of transport.
Having FS as an airline partner was nothing new, as the state-owned railway was also a shareholder in the bankrupt Alitalia. The difference here is that if there is Lufthansa in the package (if these plans are confirmed), it is the Germans who should have control and will dictate the step of the company, which is unprofitable today.
