This article from NYTimes.com has been sent to you by psa188@xxxxxxxxx /-------------------- advertisement -----------------------\ Explore more of Starbucks at Starbucks.com. http://www.starbucks.com/default.asp?ci=1015 \----------------------------------------------------------/ Swiss Airline Talks With Rivals About Deal July 14, 2003 By BLOOMBERG NEWS Swiss International Air Lines Ltd., the national carrier that is struggling to survive, is holding talks with rivals about closer ties that include a possibile merger, a spokesman said yesterday. The company's chief executive, André Dosé, said the "independence of Swiss is not the first priority, and we have to prepare ourselves for other forms of cooperation," according to the spokesman, Jean-Claude Donzel. Swiss International, based in Basel, will not comment on a report that Lufthansa has offered to buy it, Mr. Donzel said. Lufthansa is willing to acquire its Swiss rival if plans to cut a third of the work force and fleet are carried out and a dispute with pilots is settled, the Swiss weekly SonntagsZeitung reported earlier. Swiss International needs 500 million Swiss francs ($364 million) to make the cuts necessary for its survival, the airline said last month. The government, which helped create the airline last year from parts of the Swissair Group and the regional carrier Crossair A.G., has ruled out another investment. Lufthansa may pay as much as 300 million francs ($219 million) for a third of Swiss's share capital, SonntagsZeitung reported on June 29. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/14/business/worldbusiness/14SWIS.html?ex=1059190739&ei=1&en=4598f9bf8d4a8f60 --------------------------------- Get Home Delivery of The New York Times Newspaper. Imagine reading The New York Times any time & anywhere you like! Leisurely catch up on events & expand your horizons. Enjoy now for 50% off Home Delivery! Click here: http://www.nytimes.com/ads/nytcirc/index.html HOW TO ADVERTISE --------------------------------- For information on advertising in e-mail newsletters or other creative advertising opportunities with The New York Times on the Web, please contact onlinesales@xxxxxxxxxxx or visit our online media kit at http://www.nytimes.com/adinfo For general information about NYTimes.com, write to help@xxxxxxxxxxxx Copyright 2003 The New York Times Company