Air Berlin PLC announces an increase of its participation in NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH. The contracts were notarized on 17 February 2010. Air Berlin PLC and its subsidiary Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG have contractually agreed with the Privatstiftung Lauda (private Lauda foundation) that Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG will indirectly acquire 25.9% of the shares of NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH and thereby increase its current participation in NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH from 24 to 49.9%. The purchase price for the shares is EUR 21 million.
In connection with the increase of its participation, Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG will grant the private Lauda foundation a EUR 40.5 million loan. The private foundation has the option to repay the loan in three years, either in cash, or through the transfer of the remaining 50.1% of NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH
