The German government is to buy a 12 percent stake in the European Aeronautic Defence and Space company (EADS), according to a government source quoted by the Reuters news agency. This is an increase from the previously announced 7.5 percent targeted by the German government in EADS, which owns Airbus and military aircraft producers. According to Aviation Week, the plan for the German government to takeover Daimlaer AG's 7.5 percent in EADS is underway and Germany now also wants the Dedalus consortium's 7.5 percent share package. Aviation Week gives a 15 percent stake as the German government's target, which would equal the French government's current stake in the company. These latest developments reopen the old questions and divisions between Germany and France on the ownership and management of EADS. Changes to the company's board are likely soon, but at this point no definitive statements on EADS' future have been made.

Within EADS are Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocpoter. Airbus, the European commercial aircraft producer, has operated since the 70s and along with American Boeing, supplies most airlines around the world with passenger jets. Astrium is a leading satellite, launcher and space services provider. Cassidian is a military hardware firm, producing missiles, drones and the Eurofighter aircraft. Eurocopter group was started in 1992 when the helicopter divisions of Aerospatiale-matra (France) and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (Germany) merged. The firm produces both civilian and military helicopters.

In Romania, EADS opened its factory Premium Aerotec in Ghimbav, Romania, close to Brasov, last year, with an investment of EUR 40 million. The new plant specializes in the production and assembly of metal components for all Airbus series programms, being a key element of Aeropark Brasov.

Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com