PARIS (Thomson Financial) - Air France-KLM has hired Lazards to advise it on a possible purchase of Austrian Airlines, a bank spokesman said, confirming Austrian press reports.
However, Air France-KLM refused to comment.
On August 12, the Austrian government said it was seeking a strategic partner for the loss-making airline as part of its privatisation mandate.
Interested companies have until Aug 24 to seek information from the state industrial holding OIAG, which administers the Austrian government's 42.75 percent holding in the carrier.
Industry sources named Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Air France-KLM, Turkish Airlines et Air China as possible bidders.
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