Midwest Air Group (AMEX:MEH) and AirTrans Holdings (NYSE:AAI) shares both rose more than 2% today as the companies prepare to battle during Midwest's upcoming annual shareholders meeting over a proposed hostile takeover. The fight promises to be an interesting one since the Wisconsin-based carrier faces strong shareholder support to the merger.

The company revealed today that 56.6% of the total outstanding shares were tendered in favor of the deal; however, they remain armed with a poison pill and a Wisconsin law that allows companies to consider not only shareholders but also all constituent interests when considering a merger. In the end, these ensure that no deal is possible without board support, and that will depend on AirTrans' success on June 14th.

Midwest has also made things complicated for AirTrans even if they do successfully take over the company. The carrier announced a partnership with Northwest today that will add 250 city pairs and more than 1,000 flight options for the customers of both airlines. These new routes will greatly expand routes for Midwest as an independent company but may end up conflicting with AirTrans routes while supporting their competition. Regardless, this is definitely a situation worth following...

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