Enders: 'I'm Glad We Tried'

EADS and BAE Systems have mutually agreed to end discussions of a possible merger of the two companies. Talks of a possible combination of the two businesses through a dual listed company structure began on September 12.

In a statement, BAE Systems and EADS said they believe that the merger was based on a sound industrial logic and represented an opportunity to create a combination from two strong and successful companies greater than the sum of the parts. The merger would have produced a combined business that would have been a greater force for competition and growth across both the commercial aerospace and defence sectors and which would have delivered tangible benefits to all stakeholders. Discussions with the relevant governments had not reached a point where both companies could fully disclose the benefits and detailed business case for this merger. BAE Systems and EADS are, however, confident that these would have provided a strong case to take to their shareholders.

As between themselves, BAE Systems and EADS had agreed the principal terms of the merger, subject to the approval of their respective Boards, including:

• The commercial terms of the merger
• The legal structure of the merger
• Governance arrangements which would enable the combined business to operate in a normal commercial manner
• A unified management and Board structure
• The strategy for the combined business
• Near-term dividend policy
• The cost saving and revenue benefits of the combination and associated implementation plan

From the outset of discussions between the parties, both BAE Systems and EADS were clear that they would proceed with a merger of their businesses only if a transaction structure could be created that aligned the interests of the parties’ stakeholders and received their strong support. BAE Systems and EADS worked constructively to deliver such a structure. Notwithstanding a great deal of constructive and professional engagement with the respective governments over recent weeks, it has become clear that the interests of the parties’ government stakeholders cannot be adequately reconciled with each other or with the objectives that BAE Systems and EADS established for the merger. BAE Systems and EADS have therefore decided it is in the best interests of their companies and shareholders to terminate the discussions to focus on delivering their respective strategies.

"We are obviously disappointed that we were unable to reach an acceptable agreement with our various government stakeholders," said Ian King, Chief Executive of BAE Systems. "We believe the merger presented a unique opportunity for BAE Systems and EADS to combine two world class and complementary businesses to create a world leading aerospace, defence and security group. However, our business remains strong and financially robust. We continue to see opportunities across our platforms and services offerings and in the various international markets in which we operate. We remain committed to delivering total shareholder value, including a progressive dividend policy, and look to the future with confidence."

“I’d like to thank everybody who supported us, in particular all the colleagues at BAE Systems and EADS for all their hard work and dedication to this project in recent months," said Tom Enders, Chief Executive of EADS. "A special thank-you goes to Ian King for his trust and partnership. It is, of course, a pity we didn’t succeed but I’m glad we tried. I’m sure there will be other challenges we’ll tackle together in the future. EADS will continue on its international growth path and our shareholders can continue to expect profitable growth, excellent liquidity and program execution based on a strong order book.”

FMI: www.eads.com, www.baesystems.com