1 billion pounds offer for bmi.

[SN30952]

The rumour goes British Airways Plc. is be preparing for a bid on smaller rival bmi.
Is it bmi, or its slots @LHR, that make BA hungry?
Will Lufthansa let go its 30% ownership in bmi, and a view on these slots?
What will SAS do (20%)
The 50% balance is owned by Sir Michael Bishop.
If it is not BA, will Virgin try to acquire bmi?

This already one consequence of the 'open sky' agreement.
If the belgian airline had kept its slot @LHR, it would also be the subject of offers, no doubt.

[bkonner]

I don't think the EU will allow a merger especially after rejecting the Ryan Air/Aer Lingus take over attempt.

Bill

[SN30952]

I don't think the EU will allow a merger especially after rejecting the Ryan Air/Aer Lingus take over attempt.
Bill

It is wait and see, Bill. I suggested there would be compensations for a 'non-veto by the UK' in the 'open sky' EU-US agreement.
BA was known to be a fierce opponent. (Virgin wasn't - they got more or less what they wanted on the other side of the water). Nevertheless UK (the Britons*) finally did not oppose to the vote, but got compensated with a 12m postponement of the agreement.
Now I wonder if that wasn't to enable BA to reinforce its LHR position?
So, let's wait & see, if BA is allowed to do so.

(*I hope, I won't get shot by the anti-abbreviation league here again)

[SN30952]

British Airways has bought 102 weekly slots at London Heathrow airport from BMI for about £30m.

[jumpjet]

British Airways has bought 102 weekly at London Heathrow airport from BMI for about £30m.

If that is the case looks like BMI has sold some/all of the BMED slots and got back the £30m it paid for the company. But it still has the planes [and the profitability issues].