Hungarian media reports have suggested that investor Esas Holding, which holds the largest share of Air Berlin, is in talks with the government of Hungary to buy a majority stake in its loss-making airline Malev.
Reuters subsequently reported that the Hungarian National Development Ministry confirmed it was "in high level and intensive talks with potential professional investors whose financial wherewithal and long-term view enables the successful execution of the long-term business and alliance strategy of the national airline headquartered in Budapest".
Esas Holding was not named by the ministry as a potential buyer, however.