Lufthansa : who's next in line ?

leopoldm · Post by **leopoldm** » 10 Apr 2005, 21:38

Hi all,

Just read on Yahoo news : "German carrier Lufthansa has its eyes on more acquisitions after its takeover of Swiss International Air Lines last month, Lufthansa's chief financial officer Karl-Ludwig Kley has told the German press."

Link to the full article :
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u ... ansportair

Any idea about who will be the next in line ?

Greetings,

Leopold

blackhawk · Post by **blackhawk** » 10 Apr 2005, 21:45

Austrian

B744skipper · Post by **B744skipper** » 10 Apr 2005, 22:04

I don't think that it is Austrian, because they are already tight within the Star Alliance. Swiss was not, so that is the reason they merged them. With that merger Lufthansa has a lot of influence in Switzerland, and because of the Star Alliance they also have influence in Austria.

I could see them entering (European) markets where the Star Alliance is not represented in a big way, so maybe Greece, the UK, France or Spain. Maybe North Africa or the Middle East are also options?

Post by **sn26567** » 11 Apr 2005, 09:08

leopoldm wrote:Any idea about who will be the next in line ?

Austrian, as suggested by blackhak, and SAS

beaucaire · Post by **beaucaire** » 11 Apr 2005, 10:55

They also could put an eye on Aerolinas Argentinas put up for sale and make a southamerican hub.
In France ,Star is under-represented but basically there are no major french regional airlines up for sale ( exept maybe Airlinair ,a ATR 42 operator )All regionals are run by AF.
Greece could be an opportunity but the greek market is relatively small.
A stake in United could make sense ...

HorsePower · Post by **HorsePower** » 11 Apr 2005, 11:19

United is loosing money, as Aerolineas Argentinas.

What about Mexicana? (IB is interested also)

Seb.

BP · Post by BP » 11 Apr 2005, 13:00

I would expect Lufthansa to take an intrest into Tap Portugal, as they will eventually be privatised. Tap Portugal has a strong ties with Africa and South America due to its former colonies, especially with Brasil.

JoeCanuck · Post by **JoeCanuck** » 11 Apr 2005, 14:19

I agree that Austrian would make a good fit. They share an operating language, their "miles and more" points package, (as well as being star alliance partners), and code share many flights already, without duplicating too many routes.

sab319 · Post by **sab319** » 11 Apr 2005, 16:55

And what about LOT??

Post by **sn26567** » 11 Apr 2005, 17:45

beaucaire wrote:They also could put an eye on Aerolinas Argentinas put up for sale and make a southamerican hub.

I thought AR was Iberia (and hence oneworld) turf!

SicilianFalcon · Post by **SicilianFalcon** » 11 Apr 2005, 20:58

Let LH run Alitalia, Maybe then the financial problems will dissapear.

Then again they have their hand in at Air Dolomiti and Air One so it is probablly unlikely.

HorsePower · Post by **HorsePower** » 11 Apr 2005, 23:39

SicilianFalcon wrote:Then again they have their hand in at Air Dolomiti and Air One so it is probablly unlikely.

Air Dolomiti: Yes

Air One: No(t yet)

On a side not LHT owns already 40% of Alitalia Industries. Of course, I don't think LH is interested by AZ. SK and OS are rumored...

Regards

Seb.

SicilianFalcon · Post by **SicilianFalcon** » 12 Apr 2005, 00:53

Intresting I always assumed they had a big role in Air One, The logo has been modified to fit in with LH, All the aircraft have Lufthansa written on them somewhere or another. Must be just a partnership.

Starvmg · Post by **Starvmg** » 12 Apr 2005, 07:18

Well I think they are trying to get rid of their stake in BMI, but perhaps Spanair or TAP, something smaller that Swiss for sure

SN30952 · Post by **SN30952** » 12 Apr 2005, 11:46

sn26567 wrote:
leopoldm wrote:Any idea about who will be the next in line ?
Austrian, as suggested by blackhawk, and SAS

Nothing for sale in the Benelux soon?
DHL is big % LH. How much of Hong Kong Air?
Cargolux is big % LH.

Korean number 2 wants to become number 1 cargo, that is now LH.
Aviation is not only pax...

SicilianFalcon · Post by **SicilianFalcon** » 12 Apr 2005, 18:02

Just a quick question. . . Are LH allowed to own 100% of all these carriers or is there some limitation, does this limitation differ in different countries.

8)

HorsePower · Post by **HorsePower** » 12 Apr 2005, 21:24

Your question is quite difficult to answer. Basically, since Germany is within the EU, LH can take 100% stake in any EU carrier. But there are some rules to respect, LH have to give a chance to her competitors (thanks for the customers...) so even the US are involved (at least on transatlantic flights).

Hope it helps, perhaps someone can provides further info?

Regards

Seb.

Aerocroatia · Post by **Aerocroatia** » 12 Apr 2005, 23:21

I think next two in will be Adria and Croatia Airlines. It is very likely and I have even read from these two airlines that it is possible to happen in near future.

sn-remember · Post by **sn-remember** » 13 Apr 2005, 12:42

My bet would be Austrian...
It comes as a definite plus for LH wanting to fortify its base after the SR takeover. And for OS it is the "guarante" to survive and maybe to develop further its Vienna hub.

Aviation24.be

Lufthansa : who's next in line ?

Lufthansa : who's next in line ?

Re: LUFTHANSA : who's next in line ?

Re: LUFTHANSA : who's next in line ?