BA may buy BMI

[FA Mikey]

U.K. flag carrier British Airways is mulling a bid for privately held carrier bmi, the Times (of London) newspaper reported on Wednesday. Bmi's 50% shareholder, Michael Bishop has received a number of approaches to buy his stake, the paper reported without citing sources. The report added that potential bidders believe Bishop will sell his stake this year and that BA is monitoring the situation closely.

lufthansa, a 30% stakeholder in bmi, has an option to buy out Bishop and has first say in any stake sale but is thought to be interested in other European carriers such as Alitalia or Iberia, the report added.

story here

 

[FA Mikey]

British Airways has struck a deal to buy 51 runway slots at Heathrow from bmi for 30 million pounds ($58.9 million), according to report from The Times (of London). The airport's two runways operate at 98.5% capacity, resulting in heavy demand for the slots.

looks like they got what they wanted with out buying the whole carrier