3-Nov-2010 12:57 PM
Alitalia CEO suggests merger with Air France-KLM
Alitalia CEO Rocco Sabelli reportedly intends to offer the carrier as a merger partner for Air France-KLM beyond 2013 (Reuters, 02-Nov-2010). The CEO's comments are to be published as part of a book written by an Italian journalist. Alitalia Chairman Roberto Colannino dismissed any idea of a merger with the airline group, stating the plan was unlikely to receive shareholder support. Air France-KLM already has a 25% stake in Alitalia, taken as part of the restructuring of the carrier in 2008.