This could be the start of something in the merger category too. Northwest Airlines has ask the US bankruptcy courts to allow them to hire Evercore Group LLC, in matters relating to possible "implement strategic alternatives, including a merger." Quietly said, this could mean that Northwest Airlines might be making a bid for Delta Air Lines as they both look to emerge sometime next year from bankruptcy protetction.
Northwest said in court filings that, "Evercore's work will be focused on broad strategic alternatives in the airline industry generally." (cough MERGER cough)
Here is what I think will happen, Doug Parker has said that US Airways will not fight over Delta Air Lines, in bankruptcy court. US Airways will withdraw their bid for the airline after much fighting continues at Delta Air Lines between creditors and management. In the mean time Northwest Airlines makes a bid for Delta Air Lines or Delta might just surprise us all and make a bid for Northwest Airlines. There is going to be a lot of moving in the industry since US Airways made that opening bid. A hook up between the number 3 and the number 5 airlines in the United States could make for an interesting proposal. Not too much overlap, highly prized Asian routes, and two airlines that are already code sharing. Definitely makes both of them prime targets.
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