European Commission asks Italian govt to respond about Alitalia bridge loan by 19 May
06 May 2008
The European Commission has given the Italian government time till 19 May to respond to its request for more information on the €300 million bridge loan, which the outgoing government awarded Alitalia last month.
Meanwhile, media speculation continues on the various permutations and combinations that may be shaping up for a controlling stake in Alitalia. These, according to reports, now includes a previous contender, Air One, and German flag carrier, Lufthansa.
Italian media reports that Air One is in contact with Bruno Ermolli, the consultant entrusted by incoming prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, with the responsibility to form an Italian consortium that would be willing to acquire Alitalia.
Lufthansa, meanwhile, declined to comment on reports that it was in discussions with Italian financial entities for a possible bid for the near bankrupt airline.