Some time ago... I read a speech by the president or CEO of KLM( Leo van Wijk) which basically stated in my interpretaion that KLm planned to buy Alitalia, and absorp it into KLM, with KLm being the remaining identity !
Just my $0.02 - and while i don't recall where or when this was said, I do not believe that my memory is failing me.... even if it tomorrow is halfway through a man's 3 score and ten !