BERLIN, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Lufthansa said on Tuesday that it may also participate financially in a takeover of Alitalia successor ITA Airways with Swiss-based shipping group MSC.

The German airline confirmed that it was in talks with MSC and that it was a potential partner in the shipping group's possible acquisition of a majority state in ITA.

"We will use the next 90 days to explore all possible options for cooperation, including a possible equity investment," said the German airline.

Swiss-based shipping group MSC said on Monday it and Lufthansa want to buy a majority stake in ITA Airways and have asked for an exclusivity period of 90 days to study the deal. (Reporting by Ilona Wissenbach Writing by Miranda Murray Editing by Madeline Chambers)