MSC Cruises parent opens talks to buy Italian airline

ITA was born after the demise of Alitalia and MSC aims to create a partnership with the Italian government and Lufthansa as the project’s “industrial partner”.

MSC said: “Lufthansa has already expressed its interest in taking part in the initiative.”

Both parties now enter a 90-day period of exclusivity when the Italian government, which established ITA, will examine their proposal. Regulators will also examine the bid for any competition issues.

MSC added: “MSC Group’s interest derives from the possibility of activating positive synergies for both companies in the cargo and passenger sectors where the MSC Group is a global leader.”