Lufthansa: Talks On Future BMI Structure,Put Option Exercised
29 October 2008
Dow Jones International News
(c) 2008 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

FRANKFURT (Dow Jones)--German flag carrier Deutsche Lufthansa AG (LHA.XE) Wednesday said it is in talks with Michael Bishop, founder of British Midland Airways Ltd., or BMI, over the future structure of the U.K. airline.

In its third-quarter report, Lufthansa said Bishop has exercised a put option, which requires Lufthansa to purchase his 50% plus one share stake in BMI.

The completion of the BMI put option exercise isn't expected to occur before Jan. 12, Lufthansa said.

Lufthansa already owns a 30% stake in BMI. The remaining 20% are owned by SAS AB (SAS.SK).

BMI is a small airline by global standards but has a valuable asset. It controls 11% of the takeoff and landing slots at London's popular Heathrow Airport, the world's busiest international airport, placing it second after British Airways PLC (BAY.LN), which controls more than 40% of the slots this summer. Lufthansa and its subsidiary Swiss International Air Lines together have 5%. Lufthansa bought Swiss in 2005.

Lufthansa further said it will acquire the remaining shares in its regional air carrier Eurowings from AK Industriebeteiligung GmbH. The shares will be transferred as of Dec. 31, the company said without providing further details.

Lufthansa's comments are the latest sign that the European airline sector continues to consolidate and the German airline remains one of the main mergers and acquisitions engines.

Lufthansa has placed an offer for Austrian Airlines AG (AUA.VI) and has stated interest in Alitalia SpA (AZA.MI). Media reports have also mentioned its interest in SAS AB (SAS.SK).

Company Web site: www.lufthansa-financials.com