Lufthansa flags increase in non-German shareholders

Lufthansa said the proportion of non-Germans among its investors rose to 41.7%, putting aviation licences at risk if the rate exceeds 50%, but the German carrier stopped short of buying back shares as a countermeasure. "The company does not believe that there is any immediate danger of an increase of non-German shareholdings which would endanger the company's ability to meet the requirements for retaining its licenses, rights and prerogatives under aviation law," Germany's largest airline said Tuesday. "It currently does not intend to exercise its right to buy back its own shares." The rate of non-German shareholders stood at 29.5% in April.<br/>