SAS has reached a major milestone in its ongoing chapter 11 process in the U.S. and has selected Castlelake, Air France-KLM and Lind Invest, together with the Danish state (collectively, the “Investors”) as the winning bidder consortium in its exit financing solicitation process.
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As part of the transaction, SAS is intended to eventually join the SkyTeam alliance, of which Air France-KLM is a founding member, and exit the Star Alliance, subject to any relevant approvals and emergence from the chapter 11 process. The details and final documentation for the agreed transaction structure remain to be finalized between the Investors and SAS. The transaction will also need to be approved as part of SAS’ chapter 11 plan of reorganization (the “Chapter 11 Plan”).
In parallel to the transaction, and further to its joining of SkyTeam, SAS AB will seek to establish a commercial cooperation with Air France-KLM and its airlines (subject to customary approvals), to the benefit of Scandinavian customers through increased connectivity.
Air France-KLM welcomes the announcement by SAS AB’s Board of Directors that the Air France-KLM Group, Castlelake, L.P., on behalf of certain funds or affiliates, and Lind Invest ApS (collectively, the “Consortium”) have, together, been selected as the winning bidder in SAS’s exit financing solicitation process.
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, stated: “This is an important day for SAS and for Air France-KLM. We are pleased to be part of the winning bidding consortium selected by the board of SAS. Air France-KLM looks forward to establishing strong commercial ties with SAS. With its well-established position in Scandinavia and strong brand, SAS offers tremendous potential to Air France-KLM. This cooperation will allow Air France-KLM to enhance its position in the Nordics and improve connectivity for Scandinavian and European travelers. We look forward to being a part of this new chapter in SAS’ history and thank the board of SAS for their trust.”