Lufthansa: TAP’s turn?

(Boursier.com) — After ITA Airways, TAP? The boss of the Lufthansa Lufthansa is expected to meet with Portuguese government officials later today as the German airline explores a possible investment in the Portuguese carrier. Bloomberg quoted people familiar with the matter as saying Spohr is expected to meet with the finance minister and infrastructure minister. Corriere della Sera reported earlier Sunday that Lufthansa is seeking an initial 19.9% ​​stake in TAP. The talks are still at an early stage, one of the sources told Bloomberg.

The Portuguese government reaffirmed its plan to privatize TAP in July, adding that the terms of the sale were yet to be determined. The previous administration had aimed to sell at least 51% of the carrier. Lufthansa, as well as Air France-KLM and IAG, the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, have publicly expressed interest in TAP. The Lisbon-based airline’s biggest appeal is its ties to Brazil. It also maintains a strong presence in Africa and operates a number of flights to North America.

TAP is among a small group of state-owned carriers still awaiting takeover in Europe, a region dominated by IAG, Lufthansa and Air France-KLM.