European Commission approves tie-up between Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines

Green light for Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines: the European Commission has granted regulatory approval for the tie-up of the two airlines. The decision paves the way for Lufthansa to acquire an initial 45% stake in SN Airholding SA/NV, the parent company of Brussels Airlines. Clearance from the EU competition authority will also give Lufthansa an option, from 2011, to buy the remaining 55% stake in Brussels Airlines once it has secured the necessary traffic rights, thereby completing the takeover of the Belgian carrier. The transaction is expected to be finalised by the end of this month.