(see related)
Lufthansa said Monday that it is
analysing the objections presented by the European Commission
(EC) on its planned acquisition of a 41% stake in Ita Airways
and that it is ready "to propose constructive solutions that are
compatible with an aviation economy as competitive as the
Italian one".
"We are making further progress with our planned investment in
Ita Airways," said Lufthansa in a statement.
"We will analyse the objections presented by the EU Commission
today, discuss each point in detail with the antitrust authority
and, in the next steps, continue to cooperate constructively
with the EU Commission.
"As suggested by Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, we
will submit a remedy proposal to the authority in order to
address the remaining concerns.
We remain confident that the transaction will be approved, also
because we are convinced that competition in Europe, especially
in Italy, can be enhanced by Ita Airways being part of the
Lufthansa Group," added the German carrier.
In its statement of objections sent on Monday the EC said it is
concerned the transaction may reduce competition on a number of
short-haul routes connecting Italy with countries in Central
Europe and on on a number of long-haul routes between Italy and
the US, Canada and Japan, as well as creating or strengthening
the dominant position of the Italian airline at Milan-Linate
airport.
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