Lufthansa Secures Stake in ITA Airways After Intense Negotiations

The deal awaits final approval from the European Commission to ensure compliance with competition regulations.

Lufthansa will initially acquire a 41% stake in ITA Airways for €325 million, with an option to increase its stake to 100% in the future.
Negotiations faced delays as Lufthansa sought a €10 million discount on a subsequent 49% stake purchase, which the Italian government refused.
The deal requires European Commission approval, which includes conditions for maintaining competition, such as ceding airport slots to competitors.
ITA Airways emerged from the restructuring of Alitalia in 2020 and has struggled to find a stable investor until now.
The transaction is expected to enhance Lufthansa's access to the Italian market, the third largest in the EU, while providing ITA with a robust shareholder.