Airbus CEO: We're willing to consider partial merger of Space Systems division if larger deal meets resistance in Europe

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury says the company is willing to consider a partial merger of its Space Systems division if a larger deal with Leonardo meets resistance in Europe.

Faury made the comments in an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show. He said that Airbus is "open to all options" when it comes to the future of Space Systems, which makes satellites and other space equipment.

Airbus has been in talks with Leonardo about a possible merger of their respective space businesses. The deal would create a European space champion that would be better able to compete with the likes of Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

However, the deal has met with some resistance in Europe, particularly from France. The French government is concerned about the potential loss of jobs and technology to Italy.

Faury said that Airbus is willing to consider a partial merger of Space Systems as a way to address these concerns. Under a partial merger, Airbus would retain control of the division's most sensitive activities, such as satellite manufacturing.

"We are open to all options," Faury said. "We are willing to consider a partial merger if that is what it takes to get a deal done."

Airbus is keen to complete a deal with Leonardo as soon as possible. The company believes that a merger would create a more competitive and efficient space business.

Conclusion

It remains to be seen whether Airbus and Leonardo will be able to reach a deal on a merger of their space businesses. However, Faury's comments suggest that Airbus is willing to be flexible in order to get a deal done.