The investors could have pulled the deal because their financing has been switched off with the crash.
Having said that, buying any airline at the present time would be incredibly stupid. Buying a bankrupt, Italian one, well it takes all sorts.
Barcalys bank bought $20billion of business from Lehmans for $250million. AIG are going have an fire sale of assets (possibly including city airport). There are bargains to be had if you have access to cash.