(by Chiara Rancati)
Italian defence and aerospace
giant Finmeccanica is interetested in taking a controlling stake
of Vega rocket-launcher maker Avio, raising its share from 14%,
and could make it "if not the first, then the second or the
third" purchase of its new management term.
"Space is important, Italy cannot not have a projection into
space," said Finmeccanica CEO Mauro Moretti as he strolled
around the stands of the Paris Air Show.
Avio chief Pier Giuliano Lasagni went further, saying that a
"step" towards going under Finmeccanica's wing "will be made
this year and welcoming the idea.
"It's clear that there's an interest by Finmeccanica, which
wants to continue to be present" he said.
"There is talk of a majority or of other forms that can
safeguard the activities of the Vega launcher, which is a
national patrimony".
The next step, he said, regards "European industrial
equilibria which have to be managed," referring above all to the
"strong signals from France in the launcher sector, to ensure
autonomous access to space.
The Finmeccanica majority option, stressed industrial
sources cited by the French press, would meet with the favour of
the Italian government - more than an entry by Airbus Safran
Launcher.
The latter, according to the same sources, is not
interested in coming into the share capital with a share that
would be too small to let it influence management decisions.
The situation on two other joint ventures featuring
Finmeccanica is more fluid.
For the ATR consortium, 50% held by Alenia Aermacchi and
50% by the Airbus group (ex EADS), a whole takeover by the
Italians does not appear a goer in the short term, although
stubborn rumours persist.
The programme meanwhile announced on Monday the 1,500th
aircraft sold, part of an order from Japan Air Commuter- ATR's
first sale there.
Also treading water is the MBDA dossier, a missile producer
shared by Finmeccanica (25%), the Airbus group and BAE Systems
(37.5% each).
Airbus has long declared its interest in taking control but
there is still no agreement with the co-shareholders.
"It's a question the companies are still talking about and
they have yet to find a solution", said Defence Minister Roberta
Pinotti at the Show, stressing that the missile sector remains
"important" for Italy.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
