New deadline for decision on Brussels Airlines bid
A decision by the European Commission on Lufthansa's bid for Brussels Airlines has been put off until the end of the month.
The EC's competition authority said it would now decide on January 26, rather than the originally planned January 12.
The EC said the delay was so its officials could further examine possible anti-competitive aspects of the proposed deal.
The German carrier wants to buy a 45% stake in Brussels Airlines for €65m with an option to buy the remaining 55% by 2011.
Lufthansa has said its purchase would help extend its network in Africa to where Brussels Airlines has several routes.
But there have been objections that as the city of Brussels is home to both the EC and NATO, there could be an anti-competitive market created if one of Europe's largest operators took over the local carrier.
There has also been speculation that Lufthansa might start transatlantic services from Brussels.
www.lufthansa.com www.brusselsairlines.com http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm