Lufthansa Nears Acquisition of ITA Airways Following Agreement with Italian Government
Lufthansa is poised to acquire a stake in ITA Airways after resolving pricing disputes with the Italian government. The EU Commission’s approval is the final step before the transaction proceeds. Lufthansa plans to initially purchase 41% of ITA for €325 million, with the possibility of a full takeover exceeding €800 million in future. ITA, formed from the remnants of Alitalia, operates a modern fleet of aircraft and employs nearly 4,900 staff. The airline’s operations and market presence are seen as distinct from its predecessor, Alitalia.