European Aerospace: EADS, BAE merger still on launch pad, countdown runs on

A giant merger between European aerospace groups EADS and BAE Systems is still on the launch pad with talks heading for extra time on Wednesday after France eased its demands, various sources suggested.

Progress justifies a request to the British financial market regulator for a delay to the deadline, a source close to the matter said.

The deadline falls at the end of the working day on Wednesday in London.

But the final decision is likely to depend on a decision from Germany, and the position of the German government remains unclear, the source added on Tuesday.

A breakthrough on state interference by France seems to have occurred in hectic talks late into the day on Tuesday to enable the firms to say by a deadline of 1600 GMT if they are still holding hands, or if the deal is off. 

Read more: EADS, BAE merger still on launch pad, countdown runs on - The Economic Times

Areospace Industry: BAE and EADS in merger talks to create aerospace giant

Britain's BAE Systems and Airbus-owner EADS are in advanced merger talks to create a combined group worth euro 33.23 billion (US 48 billion), overtaking Boeing as the world's biggest aerospace and defense company in terms of sales.

Under the detailed plans announced by the two firms on Wednesday BAE shareholders would own 40 percent of the combined group and EADS shareholders the remaining 60 pct with the firm structured as a dual-listed company.

Read more: BAE and EADS in merger talks to create aerospace giant | Reuters