European Commission president appears to endorse major industrial consolidation before her competition officials
A plan to merge the space divisions of three major European corporations got an unexpected thumbs-up from Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, at a speech in Paris on Thursday.
Addressing an international space summit, co-hosted by France and Germany, she appeared to signal that the proposed merger – known as Bromo – should go ahead – although companies have yet to formally notify the European competition authority, the Commission.
“Our companies are no longer competing primarily at a national or European scale,” von der Leyen said. “They are competing with companies on a global level. Our policies need to reflect that reality.
“This is precisely what Airbus, Thales and Leonardo are trying to achieve with their proposed joint venture, called Bromo. These are the types of industrial champions we need.”
