EU Regulators Expected To Clear Alactel-Thales Satellite Deal

EU regulators will clear French defence electronics group Thales' plans to buy the satellite interests of French-US telecommunications equipment maker Alcatel-Lucent, sources said Tuesday.

By Space Travel Editorial Team · Editorial process

Published March 12, 2007

EU regulators will clear French defence electronics group Thales' plans to buy the satellite interests of French-US telecommunications equipment maker Alcatel-Lucent, sources said Tuesday.

After a six month investigation into the deal, the European Commission will conclude that that it does not threaten to stifle competition in the sector, sources close to the matter said.

The EU competition watchdog, which has until April 17 to rule on the deal, will give its green light on Wednesday March 28.

The two companies inked a deal in December for Alcatel-Lucent to transfer two stakes in satellite activities to Thales.

In return, Alcatel-Lucent's 9.46 percent stake in Thales is to grow to 20.95 percent.

Source: Agence France-Presse

Written by

Space Travel Editorial Team

The Space Travel Editorial Team produces content across our two editorial pillars: space industry news and Mind & Meaning. We cover launches, missions, satellites, defense, and the technology of getting humans to space, alongside the psychology of ambition, isolation, and meaning under extremes. Articles reflect our team's collective editorial process, source verification, drafting, technical review, and editing, rather than a single writer's work. Space Travel takes editorial responsibility for content under this byline. For more on how we work, see our editorial policy.