A consortium comprising of EasyJet, Air France-KLM and Cerberus Capital Management is reported to have made a renewed bid to buy struggling Italian carrier Alitalia.
In an update to the City yesterday UK low cost carrier easyJet announced its renewed interest without naming the other parties.
“EasyJet has today submitted a revised expression of interest for a restructured Alitalia, together as part of a consortium, consistent with easyJet’s existing strategy for Italy,” it said.
“Given the nature of the process, the content of the expression of interest is subject to confidentiality.
“There is no certainty at this stage that any transaction will proceed and easyJet will provide a further update in due course if and when appropriate.”
Renewed interest in Alitalia is being seen as a way for easyJet and its partners to expand in the Mediterranean market.
Although naming AirFrance-KLM as a co-bidder, Bloomberg reported the airline had denied any interest in bidding for Alitalia.
Reports suggest three separate offer have been submitted for Alitalia including one from Lufthansa.
The Italian government is looking for a rescue package for Alitalia which is currently being propped up by state support after being declared insolvent.
In 2014 Etihad Airways took a 49% stake in Alitalia but plans to turn the carrier around were scuppered when Alitalia was declared bankrupt.
Last year Lufthansa expressed interest in buying parts Alitalia. Europe’s largest budget carrier Ryanair pulled out of the bidding process last year.