 The future of Italian flag carrier Alitalia is uncertain |
State-owned airline Alitalia faces the threat of administration after Italy said the auction for its stake in the national carrier had closed. The move comes a day after rival airline Air One - the last serious bidder - pulled out of the process.
Rome said another declared suitor, the US buyout firm Matlin Patterson Global Advisers, would not present a binding offer by the 23 July deadline.
The auction flop leaves the future uncertain for the loss-making airline.
Italy's commercial airline Air One withdrew from bidding for up to 49.9% of the government's stake amid restrictive sale conditions which would compromise its ability to turn around Alitalia, which currently sheds more than 1m euros ($1.3m; �672,000) a day.
Other suitors, such as Russian airline Aeroflot gave similar reasons for leaving the sale process, and also complained about not being given "critical information" relating to Alitalia's financial position.
Alitalia has been loss-making for years, struggling against fierce competition, high fuel costs and crippled by industrial action.
"We are already reflecting on what do in the future. There are various options on the table," said Prime Minister Romano Prodi, but did not elaborate.
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