The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of Arianespace by Airbus Safran Launchers.
The Commission is worried the purchase will lead to higher prices in the satellite and launch service markets.
Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “A competitive space industry has a crucial role in strengthening the EU’s industrial base and boosting our global competitiveness. The Commission therefore needs to make sure that all players in the space industry continue to have strong incentives to innovate”.
It’s understood that ASL approached the Commission earlier this month with a number of undisclosed concessions. Airbus Safran Launchers (ASL) is paying €150 million for the 35% currently held by the French Government. The company is a 50/50 joint venture controlled by Airbus and Safran.
Last year ASL grew its share by 39% to 74% after it acquired the 35% that was in the hands of French aerospace agency CNES.
Arianespace is the global leader in commercial satellite launches and is used regularly by SES, Eutelsat and Telenor. It already has a de facto monopoly in European markets for institutional launches.
