Lufthansa receives approval to acquire stake in Air Baltic
The Federal Cartel Office has now given the green light for Lufthansa's $LHA (+0.71%) in Air Baltic has now been given the green light. This is despite certain concerns regarding competition, as the two airlines are in direct competition with each other on several routes. In this segment in particular, alternative carriers are few and far between, which further complicates the situation. However, Andreas Mundt, Chairman of the Cartel Office, explained that the merger was accepted because the markets in question are so-called de minimis markets with very low turnover. In such cases, the authority refrains from intervening. For passengers, however, this could mean that they will have to prepare for higher ticket prices, especially for flights to the Baltic capitals of Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius. Despite the approval, Lufthansa emphasizes that Air Baltic will continue to operate as an independent company and remain autonomous.
René Benko and the money carousel
In the real estate industry, René Benko is a name that often causes a stir. This article, which deals with his business model, sheds light on the mechanisms behind his failed concept. Reference is made to a money carousel that is said to have played a central role in his financing strategies. However, specific methods or the possible consequences for Benko were not described in detail in the article. Given the sensitivity of the information and the ongoing proceedings, it remains to be seen what further revelations will come to light in this case. The reporting on Benko highlights the importance of transparency and a clear legal framework in the real estate sector in order to secure investor confidence and avoid future scandals.
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