Lufthansa signals continued interest in Alitalia takeover

Lufthansa has reiterated an earlier declaration of interest in a potential takeover of bankrupt rival Alitalia on Friday.

"Our position is unchanged", a spokesperson for Germany's largest airline told press. The comments were made in response to a controversial statement by Italian Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli which hinted at a protectionist agenda being adopted by the new government in Rome.

Toninelli warned earlier this week that he would only agree to a takeover of the bankrupt national airline Alitalia if the majority of shares "remained in Italian hands." Nevertheless, Lufthansa said that it was still mulling the possibility of an acquisition of Alitalia on the condition that the insolvent company was restored to financial health.

"We have always emphasized that the Italian market is very important for us and that we are interested in a restructured Alitalia", the Lufthansa spokesperson said. The German airline highlighted that it had already provided related documentation to the Italian government and was looking forward to holding more detailed talks on the subject with officials.

Aside from Lufthansa, the British budget airline Easyjet has also expressed its interest in a takeover of Alitalia.