German air traffic controller Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS) is reported to be poised to make a bid for the UK government’s 49% stake in British air traffic controller Nats.
DFS is reported to have approached London investment banks earlier this month about advising on a deal estimated to be worth more than £500m.
Nats was part-privatised by the Labour government in 2001. UK airlines, including British Airways, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic, own some 42% of the company, while BAA holds 4% and Nats staff the remaining 5%.
Although DFS has expressed interest in Nats, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) has yet to decide on whether any sale will go ahead. “We are in the process of deciding whether to sell all, part, or none of the shareholding in Nats,” said a spokesperson for the DfT. “We will take a decision in due course.”