The European Commission (EC) knows
that the deal in which Lufthansa will take a 41% stake in ITA
Airways is an "important" one and will proceed as quickly as
possible with its review, European Commissioner for Competition
Didier Reynders said on Tuesday.
"We have now received the notification so we are entering an
official phase," Reynders told reporters referring to the formal
communication to the EC of the acquisition by Lufthansa in the
two-year period 2023-2024 of a 41% stake in ITA's share capital
against an investment of 325 million euros, which arrived from
the German carrier and the Italian economy ministry last
Thursday.
"I know it is an important file" and "we will try to go as
quickly as possible", he added.
Reynders did not comment on rumours about possible overlaps in
the activities of the two airlines, particularly on routes from
Italy.
"Of course we are assessing the possible overlaps in the
different routes and the situation at different airports, as has
been the case (in similar cases) in the past," said the
commissioner, adding: "But we will discuss this with the
companies involved."
The EC has already said the provisional deadline for completing
its initial assessment of the deal is January 15.
Photo: European Commissioner for Competition Didier Reynders.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
