CSA Czech Airlines could have new owners by the end of September

CZECH REPUBLIC’S finance ministry has advanced to a second round of tendering for the sale of CSA Czech Airlines.  Air France-KLM and a consortium comprising Czech Unimex Group and Travel Service remain in the bid.  The ministry says that the winner should be known by the end of September at the latest.  Up for grabs is a 91.5% stake.  CSA was profitable in 2008 and like AF is part of Skyteam.  Bidders need to meet conditions such as keeping CSA's national identity status to prevent the airline losing any of its international routes outside Europe.  Air France-KLM is expansion minded and would see an acquisition as outflanking Lufthansa.  Aeroflot were eliminated at this round.  British Airways seems to be less interested in mainland Europe than ever, with the exception of its North Atlantic Open Skies operation, and a proposed tie-up with Iberia. www.praguepost.com

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