The gulf wind seems to be approaching Fiumicino. Etihad will shortly start negotiations with Alitalia that could lead it to enter the capital of the loss-making Italian company on the basis of a new industrial plan. This was assured by the managing director Gabriele Del Torchio.
“To date, the due diligence is practically completed. Now we are just waiting to meet to explore the issues and enter the negotiation phase. I think there could be something significant in a few days,” added Del Torchio.
Even more optimistic is Gaetano Miccichè, general manager of Intesa San Paolo: “I think Etihad's offer for Alitalia will arrive tomorrow. Yesterday the Minister of Transport, Maurizio Lupi, said he expected the conclusion of the work done in recent months between the two parties "this week".
In recent months, sources close to the situation had said that the Arab company was interested in taking over up to 40% of Alitalia but also stressed that the 900 million debt accumulated and the excessive number of employees of the Italian group were elements of strong concern .
