I worked for SAS on the commercial side '85-'94.
Jan Carlson, former CEO, predicted circa 1986 that, come 2000-onwards, SAS would either be the lead member of a megacarrier, be a minor feeder carrier, or either close, or be taken over by someone else. He was confident that there would be only 3 to 5 major airline groups in Europe in the early 21st century.
He masterminded the SAS renaissance circa 1983/4, which was copied by airlines worldwide. Give credit to the gentleman, what he predicted has, more or less, come to pass.
And give SAS their due - at one point in the mid-eighties, they were number three in profitability, yet only number 11/12 in passengers carried. Their yield was the envy of the world.
Surrendering to LH is a sad step for a once proud and innovative airline, one I was utterly proud to work for.