DFS eyes Nats stake

German air traffic controller Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS) is reported to be poised to make a bid for the UK government’s 49% stake in British air traffic controller Nats. DFS is reported to have approached London investment banks earlier this month about advising on a deal estimated to be worth more than £500m. Nats was part-privatised by the Labour government in 2001. UK airlines, including British Airways, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic, own some 42% of the company, while BAA holds 4% and Nats staff the remaining 5%. Although DFS has expressed interest in Nats, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) has