Alitalia and Lufthansa Merger?

The Guardian reports that Berlusconi is hopeful of Alitalia-Lufthansa deal to life the spirits of Europe's banks, travelers, and taxpayers this holiday season. Reuters reported Tuesday, November 18, 2008, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said on Tuesday both he and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were in favor of an alliance between Alitalia and Lufthansa.

Speaking at a news conference at an Italo-German summit in Trieste, Berlusconi said: "The Chancellor and I are in agreement in looking upon the possibility of an alliance between Alitalia and Lufthansa very favourably. We hope that this can take place."
Italian media have reported that Air France-KLM will edge out Lufthansa to buy a stake in the Italian carrier.