Lufthansa considers holding structure: Handelsblatt

Lufthansa is considering adopting a corporate holding structure to simplify its operations, improve profitability and regain the support of investors, newspaper Handelsblatt reported Monday. Citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the newspaper said the idea of a group holding structure was under early discussion both at management level and in parts of the supervisory board. CE Carsten Spohr has come under mounting pressure after an acquisitive spell exposed Lufthansa to a broader industry downturn that has in particular inflicted losses on its Eurowings operation. Lufthansa shares have fallen 30% over the past year, leaving the airline with a stock market worth of E8b - less than half the value at which its carries it aircraft fleet on its books, Handelsblatt noted. <br/>