Ryanair says in touch with administrators over Niki assets

Ryanair may bid for assets of Niki, the carrier said Friday, as administrators scramble to find a buyer for the insolvent airline before it loses its valuable runway slots. "Ryanair confirmed today ... that it had contacted the administrators of Niki Luftfahrt in respect of the insolvency process and the potential purchase of remaining Niki assets," the carrier said. Founder and former Formula One champion Niki Lauda as well as tour operator Thomas Cook have also expressed an interest in taking over Niki. The parties are under pressure to agree a deal before Niki loses its take-off and landing rights, its most attractive assets, which works council chief Stefan Tankovits said could happen within about a week. <br/>