Norwegian (Oslo Gardermoen) chief executive Bjorn Kjos has confirmed Lufthansa Group has made overtures to his airline regarding a potential acquisition.
In an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung on Monday, Lufthansa Group Chief Executive Officer Carsten Spohr said the German carrier group had sounded out Norwegian regarding a possible buy-out.
"There is another wave of consolidation, which means that we are also in contact with Norwegian," he said adding that any potential purchase would depend on pricing, competition laws, and whether Lufthansa believes acquiring the Nordic budget carrier would be of strategic value.
Kjos has, in turn, told Norwegian state broadcaster NRK that the Germans have indeed been in touch but declined to comment on the nature of their discussions, stating only that the talks are being handled by the board.
"I know they've been in talks with the advisors we have. I've talked to Carsten Spohr many times, he's a very nice guy. I've been texting with him, so I know they've been in contact," he said. "[But] all this is being handled by the board, so I'm out of it. My task is to lead Norwegian, and that is what I am doing."
Norwegian has already garnered interest from the likes of IAG International Airlines Group, two of whose bids have been spurned as low-ball offers, and Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) which has sought to acquire a 20% stake.
