AirTran Hikes Offer for Midwest

Updated from 8:45 a.m. EST

AirTran (AAI Quote) raised its hostile bid for Midwest Air Group (MEH Quote) to $345 million and started an effort to acquire the carrier's shares.

The offer is for $13.25 a share, made up of $6.625 in cash and 0.5884 AirTran shares, with a deadline of Feb. 8. The valuation is based on AirTran's Wednesday closing price of $11.92.

Following the new proposal, Midwest's shares rose 50 cents, or 3.9%, to $13.40.

"We wanted to work with management," AirTran CEO Joe Leonard said on a conference call Thursday. "But quite frankly, we've been stonewalled for over a year now."

Leonard said the acquisition would enable AirTran to establish a nationwide low-fare carrier with 245 modern jets, a low cost structure and hubs in Atlanta, Milwaukee and Kansas City. It could "compete regardless of what happens with airline consolidation," he said.

AirTran unveiled a $290 million bid for Midwest on Dec. 13, offering to buy its shares for $11.25 in cash and stock. To an extent, its takeover effort is moving in parallel with US Airways' (LCC Quote) unfriendly bid for Delta (DALRQ Quote), which was revealed Nov. 15.

On Wednesday, US Airways upped its bid for the carrier and set a Feb. 1 deadline for creditors to show support. Like Delta, Midwest has firmly rejected every approach by its suitor, saying its own business plan promises continuing growth while enhancing profitability and maintaining its independence.