Lufthansa board approves takeover of Brussels Airlines

Lufthansa said its supervisory board has approved plans to acquire the remaining 55% stake in Brussels Airlines via the exercise of a call option as part of its plan to boost Eurowings via acquisitions. The supervisory board is also expected to discuss plans for Lufthansa to take on more jets for Eurowings from Air Berlin, sources have said, to help make Eurowings the third largest low cost-carrier in Europe. Lufthansa acquired 45% of Brussels Airlines owner SN Airholding in 2009 for E65m (US$73m), taking the option of acquiring the remaining 55% from 2011. Brussels Airlines is strong on routes to Africa, where the Lufthansa network has gaps, and Lufthansa previously said it will look at ways to keep some of the branding. <br/>