Amadeus bid speculation intensifies
Speculation is mounting over a possible bid for Amadeus as the GDS promoted two senior executives into corporate strategy roles.
Amadeus is said to be talking to potential bidders about acquiring a majority stake in the company
Minority shareholders Iberia (18.3%) and Lufthansa (5.1%) may be prepared to offload their stakes, although Air France with a 23.4% holding is said to want to retain its involvement.
But a number of private equity firms are rumoured to be lining up a bid for the whole of Amadeus which could value the company at up to $5 billion. Worldspan has also been mentioned as a likely suitor.
An Amadeus spokesman declined to comment on bid speculation as the GDS promoted two executives to its 17-strong board.
Francisco Perez-Lozao, who recently headed the purchase of Opodo, becomes vice-president, business development and mergers and acquisitions. Frederic Bessis becomes vice-president, product and technology strategic planning. Both report to corporate strategy senior vice-president Philippe Chereque.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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