Alitalia update

Etihad and Alitalia are expected to seek European Union antitrust approval for their deal this month and win clearance by the end of the year after minor concessions, a person familiar with the process told Reuters last week.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad clinched a deal last month to buy 49% of Alitalia for €1.76bn, giving it access to Europe's fourth-largest travel market and 25m passengers.

"The deal is expected to be notified to the European Commission this month. It should be conditional phase 1 clearance," said the person who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.

A phase 1 review by the EU antitrust authority lasts 25 working days, which is extended by 10 additional working days if companies offer concessions to allay competition concerns. www.alitalia.com www.etihad.com

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