DUBLIN (Reuters) - British Airways-owner IAG is likely to be a frontrunner to buy a stake in Portuguese carrier TAP, valued at about $1 billion, bankers and analysts said, marking the next phase in consolidation of the European market.

ITA Airways joins Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines as part of the Lufthansa Group's network.

The Italian airline ITA Airways is a new member of the Lufthansa Group. The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and Europe’s leading aviation group concluded the transaction today. As a result, the Lufthansa Group has a 41 percent stake in the Italian airline ITA Airways. The remaining 59 percent will initially continue to be held by MEF.

Germany's Lufthansa Group has completed its long-sought acquisition of Italian carrier ITA Airways, finalising on 17 January its acquisition of a two-fifths stake in the company.

Under the €325-million ($350-million) deal, Lufthansa takes an initial 41 per cent stake in ITA, formerly Alitalia, from the Italian government, gaining full control by 2033 with a total investment of €829-million. The remaining 59 per cent will initially continue to be held by the Italian Treasury.

Germany's Lufthansa Group on Friday finalised its acquisition of Italian airline ITA Airways, closing a long period of uncertainty for Italy's former flagship carrier.

Lufthansa Group completed its acquisition of Italy's ITA Airways, formerly Alitalia, finalizing a deal worth 829 million euros. Lufthansa now holds 41% of ITA, aiming for full control by 2033. This acquisition addresses competition concerns by allowing rival airlines access to certain routes,

The MEF pointed out the divestiture of ITA Airways as one of the highlight-worthy moments of its tenure, noting that the Lufthansa Group’s purchase of the Italian airline’s 41% shares through a capital increase will conclude a 40-year history of wasting taxpayers’ money.

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The German airline group now owns 41% of the Italian carrier, with the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) owning 59%. The acquisition, valued at €325 million, will increase to cover 100% of AZ, for a total value of €829 million at a later stage.

The commission noted that Lufthansa, ITA and its partners, for example, control most routes from Rome and Milan to North America. Under the deal, the merged company must make it possible for rival ...

January 2025 saw the Lufthansa Group conclude one of the most hotly anticipated business deals in the recent history of European commercial aviation, as the company finalized a 41% stake in Italian flag carrier ITA Airways.