Lufthansa has showed an interest in Austrian Airlines by holding intense talks with Austria’s government, according to Stefan Lauer, an executive board member. The German airline is also keeping an eye on Alitalia in the Italian market, he said on Wednesday. Leaders in the Austrian government said during last week that they would sell part of their holding in Austrian Airlines, however, they want to keep enough to make sure that the Austrian core shareholders and the government have 25%. Lauer said that Austrian Airlines is a significant partner for them, and if the government goes to them, they are naturally interested in having intensive talks.

The government of Austria owns a 43% hold in the carrier, which is worth about 145 million euros at the current prices. A group of insurers and banks own a 7% share, and the carrier has 3% in itself, leaving 47% in free float. It was stressed by Lauer that the right model in any takeover was the target being collaborated into the group, while still retaining independence like with their Swiss subsidiary.

Meanwhile, the government in Italy has yet to make a decision on Alitalia’s fate. The airline is said to be waiting on the government to make a decision as to if they should file for bankruptcy or not. Lauer said that they made the right decision in not making an offer on Alitalia during the uncertainty of the airline, but said that they were keeping tack of its developments.

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