After years of talks, the Lufthansa Group is expected to complete the acquisition of ITA Airways next week. The acquisition will see the Italian carrier join many other European airlines in the group, helping it expand in several key markets. Only a few days to go Lufthansa has been involved in lengthy talks about adding ITA to its ever-growing list of subsidiaries.
A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that the deal is expected to go through on January 13. The date was first reported by DPA news agency after it had been disclosed by Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr during an employee event. While there is no official announcement from the airline, a Lufthansa spokesperson only reiterated that the acquisition was expected to close in early 2025.
It has just been over a month since Lufthansa and the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze, MEF) cleared the final regulatory hurdles, which saw the European Commission (EC) approving various remedy takers after the acquisition . Lufthansa will initially acquire a 41% stake in the Rome-based carrier for €325 million with an option to acquire the remaining shares at a later stage. The German national airline believes that the acquisition will help ITA Airways return to profitability while Lufthansa continues to grow in key markets.
ITA Airways is planning to serve up to six destinations in the US during the upcoming summer season. $338 million capital increase Last month, during its “.