(see related story)
German carrier Lufthansa on Tuesday
confirmed that it had made concessions to the European
Commission (EC) in a bid to secure approval for the deal to buy
a 41% stake in Italy's ITA Airways, but without giving details.
"In the course of the current review by the European Commission
regarding the stake in ITAAirways, the Lufthansa group offered
and presented concessions on January 8. These are being examined
by the authority in Brussels," said Lufthansa in a statement.
"Consequently, the European Commission has postponed to January
29 the deadline for the ongoing review" the German group
continued.
"As part of this review we remain in close and constructive
contact with all parties involved," it said, adding that it
would "not disclose any details about the concessions offered".
Earlier in the day an EC spokesperson said the European
executive had started evaluating the May agreement for Lufthansa
to acquire a 41% stake in ITA's share capital against an
investment of 325 million euros over the 2023-2024 period.
"We can confirm that the parties have presented their
commitments," the spokesperson said.
"The provisional deadline by which the Commission can make a
decision in this case is January 29, 2024.
"The Commission will now assess the commitments presented".
ITA replaced loss-making former flag-carrier Alitalia in 2021,
with the State taking full ownership.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
