After losing Avianca, Efromovich eyes Alitalia

German Efromovich, the ousted chairman of Avianca, is eyeing a comeback via Italy. Efromovich wants to buy a stake in bankrupt Alitalia. "We wrote a letter to Ferrovie dello Stato and the adviser Mediobanca 2 weeks ago saying we can purchase up to 30% of Alitalia," said Efromovich. "We want to join the company’s management and I’d like to be the CE, at least at the start." A 30% stake in Alitalia would require at least E240m (US$273m). Italian railways operator Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane is leading talks for a possible rescue of Alitalia, which is under special administration. Earlier this month, the Italian govt extended the deadline for binding bids to July 15 after potential partners dropped out of the discussions. Efromovich said he has the money needed for the investment and wouldn’t have to borrow. <br/>