Alitalia commissioner, Italian government pave way for sale

ROME, Italy (CNN) - Alitalia special commissioner Augusto Fantozzi has agreed to sell the ailing national air carrier to a consortium of Italian entrepreneurs, the airline's press office said Wednesday.

The announcement followed Economic Development Minister Claudio Antonio Scajola's approval of the sale to Compagnia Aerea Italiana (CAI), under the condition that the price be at least 1.052 million euros.

"The commissioner Fantozzi can now proceed to the cession of the assets within the first of December," Scajola said in a statement posted on the ministry's Web site. "CAI can now proceed in choosing a foreign partner that will strengthen the presence of Alitalia in the global market."

The amount CAI intends to offer for the airline's assets has not been released. The sale to the group of Italian businessmen had been expected, as it was the sole remaining bidder.