Fusiones y Adquisiciones

✈ Lufthansa, el 29 de septiembre, anuncia el despido del 20% de sus 15,000 empleados administrativos para reducir costes, afectando a empresas como Austrian, Swiss, Eurowings y Brussels Airlines. Con 103,000 empleados en total, el grupo alemán busca recuperar su salud financiera tras menos beneficios que otros grupos europeos. Los resultados significativos se esperan para 2027. ITA aún no está incluida en la reducción.

🏨 Hotusa acquired nine Silken hotels for €250 million, impacting 661 employees. The acquisition protects current job conditions for three years but doesn't prevent potential layoffs. Labor issues are anticipated, citing past conflicts at Eurostars Magnificent Mile, Chicago. The Al-Andalus Palace in Sevilla is the top asset, generating €21.3 million in 2024, representing 34.5% of revenue and employing 252 workers, 38.4% of the staff. Together with other key hotels, they account for 73% of total metrics.

✈ Binter has secured a financing agreement with Caixabank, Santander, and BBVA to acquire up to nine ATR 72-600 aircraft for €189 million. Signed in Gran Canaria by Binter's President Rodolfo Núñez and VP Alfredo Morales, the deal includes the firm purchase of four planes and options for five more, with delivery from 2027 to 2031. Since 2002, Binter has invested over $1.1 billion in ATR planes, currently operating 26 ATR and 16 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.

✈️ Aegean Airlines invested €25 million in Volotea in September 2024 and an additional €1.2 million a month later. A year on, CEO Eftichios Vassilakis indicates potential new capital injections within 6-8 months due to pandemic-induced financial challenges. Aegean holds 13% of Volotea's shares, with potential to increase to 21%. Volotea's ownership: 51% founders Lázaro Ros and Carlos Muñoz with Spanish funds, 49% international investors. Synergy plans with Aegean are delayed by aircraft shortages.

🗺 World2Meet (W2M) acquired Cibeles in November 2023, repositioning it for the senior travel segment. In 2026, Cibeles will triple its origins in the Canary Islands and double international airport departures. The agency will enhance senior-exclusive trips, including river cruises and national themed circuits. Cibeles, based in Madrid, was W2M's third acquisition, following Azul Marino and Viajes Eroski. It aims to lead the travel market for those over 55 with unique experiences and improved regional accessibility.

💰 El 96.98% de pequeños accionistas de Minor Hotels Europe & Americas aceptaron la opa de exclusión por MHG Continental Holding con una oferta de 6.51 euros por acción. Esta oferta, afectando a 15,671,528 títulos, busca excluir la antigua NH de las bolsas españolas debido a su escaso capital flotante del 4.13%. La suspensión de cotización ocurrió el 15 de julio con un precio de 6.46 euros por acción. Minor ganó 112 millones en el primer semestre de 2025, un 57.8% más que en 2024.

✈️ Lufthansa has centralized control over its subsidiaries—Swiss, Austrian, ITA, and Brussels Airlines—eliminating their autonomy in long-haul and now short-haul flights, HR, and tech, all directed from Frankfurt. This contrasts with Air France's increased but distinct control over KLM, and IAG's different model with Iberia and British Airways. While economies of scale are advantageous, nationalistic tensions, especially in Belgium and Italy, pose risks. The long-term effectiveness of these strategies remains uncertain.

🌐 Viajes Marsans revived in May, shedding its 2010 bankrupt past. Operations began on June 2 under José Miguel Jiménez González. Now fully operational, Viajes Marsans offers licenses, franchises, and white-label agencies. Investment ranges from €1,500 to €150,000, with monthly fees between €150 and €6,000. Growth is planned through online activities and more agencies by mid-next year. The brand aims to maintain its historic legacy while introducing a fresh, future-focused management style.

✈️ World2Fly, as of April 2025, successfully passed the IOSA audit by IATA. The certification, essential for joining the airline lobby and operating internationally, is valid until September 4, 2027. World2Fly and World2Fly Portugal emphasize their commitment to operational safety and quality standards. This achievement results from their team's dedication and collaboration, aiming to surpass one million passengers this year with the new A330 aircraft.

📦 Lufthansa plans to expand its stake in ITA Airways from 41% to 90%, investing an additional €325 million plus €100 million for other expenses. Talks with the Italian government have begun, targeting completion before next summer. Carsten Spohr states ITA's performance exceeds expectations, aiding negotiations. Despite not yet achieving desired profit margins, integration proceeds well. Lufthansa aims for full control of ITA, built from Alitalia's legacy.