Lufthansa set to win bidding for stake in Portugal's TAP, SIC reports

LISBON, Oct 13 (Reuters) — Germany's Lufthansa is set to win the bidding for the purchase of a 44.9% stake in Portugal's flag carrier TAP over rival Air France-KLM, broadcaster SIC said on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The German group is offering an all-cash deal for its stake in TAP, unlike Air France-KLM, whose proposal combines cash and shares in the Franco-Dutch airline, SIC reported. Lufthansa's stronger financial position was also a key factor, it added. Portugal's Infrastructure Ministry declined to comment. Air France-KLM and Lufthansa submitted final bids for the stake in September after Portugal's government requested both bidders improve their offers. The government is due to choose the winner at an extraordinary cabinet meeting on Wednesday. (Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; Editing by Victoria Waldersee and Edmund Klamann) ((Victoria.Waldersee@thomsonreuters.com;)