Market Chatter: Air France-KLM Reportedly Open to Offering Shares Under TAP Bid

MT Newswires · 2d ago
09:07 AM EDT, 09/16/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Air France-KLM (AF.PA) expressed its willingness for the Portuguese government to take a stake in the group as part of its bid for TAP Air Portugal, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday, citing a person familiar with the matter. The French-Dutch airline's offer aims to sweeten its proposal amid a competing bid from Deutsche Lufthansa (LHA.F). However, Air France-KLM will only pursue a financially viable transaction that fits its risk profile, the source added. The Portuguese government is selling up to a 49.9% stake in the national flag carrier, with 44.9% allocated for investors and the remaining 5% for employees. Air France-KLM had no comment when reached by MT Newswires, while TAP did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)