Deutsche Lufthansa AG (XTRA:LHA) said on January 25, 2022 that it may also participate financially in a takeover of Alitalia successor Italia Trasporto Aereo S.P.A. with Swiss-based shipping group MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company Holding SA . The German airline confirmed that it was in talks with MSC and that it was a potential partner in the shipping group's possible acquisition of a majority state in ITA. “We will use the next 90 days to explore all possible options for cooperation, including a possible equity investment,” said the German airline.

Swiss-based shipping group MSC said on January 24, 2022 it and Lufthansa want to buy a majority stake in ITA Airways and have asked for an exclusivity period of 90 days to study the deal.