Northwest's Merger Plans Still 'Evolving'

Northwest Airlines is "very, very actively looking" for a merger partner, a company executive told Wall Street analysts yesterday, but it is uncertain whether such consolidation is more likely to be approved by the Bush administration or its successor, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Analysts say Delta—known to be contemplating mergers, as is United—would be the best match with Northwest.

Northwest CFO Dave Davis said any deal would need to be in the works by February if it is to be approved by the Bush administration, perceived as friendly toward business—though Davis said many other factors are at play, including support from labor. Officials from United and Delta, also in New York, gave few specifics on merger plans. (More Northwest Airlines stories.)