CO to join Star Alliance?!

According to the article below they have agreed a partnership with United, but it fell short of a ‘merger’…however CO will still join Star Alliance!

http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1129400.php?mpnlog=1&m_id=_rnms~s~T_

Hardly surprising in my opinion because ever since the Delta/Northwest tie-up was officially announced, CO has been looking at their position within Skyteam, and I dont think it would have been viable for them to stay in the same alliance as what will eventually become the largest airline in the world once DL/NW is fully incorporated!

Although I am sure they would of preferred to of gone independent, the economic climate just is not right for CO to do so at this time, and by joining the Star Aliiance they will have even greater to Canada with Air Canada and also Germany with Lufthansa.