Austria grants Lufthansa extension on AUA takeover

VIENNA, July 31 (Reuters) - Austria's Takeover Commission on Friday granted Deutsche Lufthansa AG's (LHAG.DE) request to extend a deadline for its planned takeover of Austrian Airlines AG AUAV.VI, paving the way for completion of the deal.

Lufthansa had said on Tuesday it was trying to extend a self-imposed July 31 deadline by a month as it scrambles to address EU antitrust concerns. [ID:nLR127328].

It had said it was nearing an agreement with the European Commission -- whose approval is required -- but would be unable to get it by the end of the month. (Reporting by Christian Gutlederer; Writing by Mark Heinrich; Editing by Hans Peters) (mark.heinrich1@reuters.com; +43 1 5311 2276; Reuters Messaging: mark.heinrich1.reuters.com@reuters.net))