China's HNA Group eyes South American airline groups

New York

CHINA'S HNA Group has expressed interest in acquiring Avianca Holdings SA and Avianca Brasil, the South American airlines controlled by Bolivian-born entrepreneur Germán Efromovich's Synergy Group, people familiar with the matter said.

Avianca Holdings and Avianca Brasil are working with investment banks to explore options. They have also attracted interest from US peers United Continental Holdings Inc and Delta Air Lines Inc, the sources said on Friday.