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Portugal sees market hunger to privatise TAP, preparations underway

Portugal's federal government desires to privatise flag provider TAP sooner instead of later on to take benefit of market interest in the airline and is moving forward with preparatory work, Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz stated on Wednesday.

He stated the privatisation procedure started by the previous centre-left administration never ever stopped after the centre-right government took control of in April and the latter was carrying out evaluations and assessments to define possible models for the sale, if without setting any deadlines in the meantime.

TAP is to be privatised ... We are clearly conscious that the market is there for it and we are hurrying to do it, Pinto Luz informed a parliamentary committee, including that the market had the needed conditions in terms of liquidity and characteristics (for. us) to accomplish this goal.

TAP has so far drawn in interest from Lufthansa,. Air France-KLM and British Airways owner IAG.

Things are moving forward ... in due time we will give. light what is our vision or the possibilities (of privatisation). to talk about with everyone, he included.

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said throughout the election. project he wanted TAP to be fully privatised.

The previous administration approved the sale of. at least 51% of TAP in September, but did not have time to carry. it out.

Industry executives, investors and experts say greater. examination of combination and tie-ups in between airlines by. European regulators and needs for treatments might discourage significant. airlines from more deals.

Airline companies have stated debt consolidation is needed to assist offset. soaring running costs, however Brussels is worried Europe's. three largest groups, all of which have shown interest in TAP,. are becoming too dominant.

In May, TAP CEO Luis Rodrigues contacted the government to. keep a stake in the airline company and defended the possibility of. bringing in non-aviation investors to relieve competition concerns,. but he was rebuked by Pinto Luz who told him not to meddle in. its privatisation, which is a matter for investors.

(source: Reuters)