Aviation News Item: 10249

6th Jul 2010

Source: evaint.com

Air Berlin PLC has announced an increase of its participation in NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH. Following the fulfillment of all the contractually agreed conditions, the contracts notarised on 17 th, February 2010 have been implemented. Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG indirectly acquired 25.9 per cent of the shares of NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH from the Privatstiftung Lauda (private Lauda foundation) and has thereby increased its current participation in NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH from 24 to 49.9 per cent. The purchase price for the shares is EUR 21 million.

In connection with the increase of its participation, Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG will grant the private Lauda foundation a EUR 40.5 million loan. The private Lauda foundation has the option to repay the loan in three years, either in cash, or through the transfer of the remaining 50.1 per cent of NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH's shares. Andreas Nikolaus (Niki) Lauda will remain at NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH's disposal for at least another three years.

NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH will be fully consolidated within the Air Berlin Group. NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH will remain a legally independent company with its own management. The "NIKI" brand will continue to exist in the foreseeable future.

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