Qatar Airways in talks to buy Meridiana

Qatar Airways is in advanced negotiations to buy a 49% stake in Meridiana, but a deal is dependent on restructuring and job cuts. Qatar Airways is also considering taking a 25-49% stake in Royal Air Maroc, although it was focused on the possible Meridiana acquisition for now, said CE Akbar al-Baker. Qatar Airways holds a 10% stake in IAG and has been open to making further investments to help expand its reach. Meridiana is under a govt-sponsored restructuring plan to help turn it round. "Partnering with Meridiana would only make Meridiana prosper, grow and actually increase the working population of Meridiana," al-Baker said. "But for the initial period there will be some pain on the part of employees," he added. He did not comment on the potential cost of a stake in Meridiana. <br/>