The ITA and Lufthansa merger talks stalled overnight, putting the merger agreement on hold. The Italian economy ministry (MEF), which owns ITA Airways—the successor to Alitalia—reportedly rejected Lufthansa’s request to reduce the agreed purchase price of 829 million euros for full acquisition, according to Corriere della Sera.
Under the original 2023 agreement, Lufthansa was to acquire a 41% stake in ITA Airways from MEF through a 325-million-euro capital increase, with plans to eventually increase its share to 100% by 2033, for a total investment of 829 million euros.
Documentation related to the ITA Lufthansa merger was scheduled to be submitted to the European Commission on Monday for final review. While Lufthansa, ITA Airways, and rival carriers including easyJet, Air France, and IAG—who are part of the Commission’s slot allocation condition—had signed, MEF’s signature was notably absent, sources revealed.
Despite the setback, Lufthansa confirmed to ANSA on Tuesday that it remains committed to the 2023 agreement, reiterating that it has completed the necessary procedural steps within the agreed timeframe. The EC approved the merger in July.
