Lufthansa Still Expects To Get EU Approval To Buy SN Holding

Deutsche Lufthansa AG (LHA.XE) still expects to receive antitrust approval for its planned takeover of SN Holding SA, the parent company of SN Brussels Airlines.

Lufthansa's executive board expects approval will be granted eventually, company spokeswoman Claudia Lange said Tuesday.

Her comments came in response to the European Commission which Monday said it would open an in-depth investigation into the takeover plan, after an initial investigation showed the deal "could significantly impede effective competition," particularly for routes between Belgium and Germany and Belgium and Switzerland.

In September Lufthansa said it intends to acquire 45% of SN Holding for EUR65 million, with an option to buy the rest of the business in 2011.

The commission now has a June 10 deadline to make a final decision on whether to allow the deal.

Company Web site: www.lufthansa-financials.com

-By Kirsten Bienk, Dow Jones Newswires; [phone]; [e-mail]

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