M&A News

Space Intel Report

High activity

EU Commission signals competition-policy shift to support Thales-Airbus-Leonardo space consolidation

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is updating competition policy to favor strategic consolidations, citing the proposed Thales-Airbus-Leonardo space merger as an example. The policy shift could ease regulatory scrutiny of larger European aerospace combinations intended to strengthen the region’s industrial position.

Reuters

High activity

Aerospace M&A accelerates as clearer production outlook boosts buyer confidence

Mergers and acquisitions are gathering pace across the aerospace supply chain, with clearer Boeing and Airbus production schedules giving buyers greater confidence in long-term demand. The trend extends a broader consolidation cycle in satellite markets, where major industry players are pursuing larger strategic transactions.

ch-aviation

Pakistani court weighs challenge to PIA privatization

A Pakistani court is considering a dispute over the proposed privatization of Pakistan International Airlines, placing the carrier’s ownership transition and restructuring plans under legal scrutiny. The case could affect the timing and terms of efforts to shift PIA into private hands.

ch-aviation

ASL Airlines Australia’s proposed Airwork freight acquisition in doubt after conditional deal fails

ASL Airlines Australia’s proposed acquisition of Airwork Group’s freight business in New Zealand and Australia faces uncertainty after receivers said a conditional agreement to sell the business did not complete. The status leaves the planned transaction unresolved.

FlightGlobal

U.S. regulators clear Volaris–Viva merger; Mexican approval remains pending

The proposed merger of Mexican low-cost carriers Volaris and Viva has cleared U.S. regulatory review, reducing the likelihood of further scrutiny from American authorities. A Mexican government commission is expected to decide on the transaction by year-end, leaving domestic approval as the key outstanding hurdle.

Breaking Defense

Turkey’s MKE launches Egypt-based company under Egyptian law

Turkey’s state-owned defense manufacturer MKE has established Zafer in Egypt, with all shares owned by MKE, General Manager Ilhami Keles said at the Al-Alamein airshow. The venture marks MKE’s first company in Egypt and expands its local corporate presence in a strategically important defense market.

Space Intel Report

UAE commits $1 billion to Loft Orbital’s 50-satellite AI-enabled Earth-observation constellation

Royal Group of Abu Dhabi will provide $1 billion to support a 50-satellite constellation developed by French-American startup Loft Orbital and UAE-based Marlan Space. The system will combine optical and radar imaging with AI to serve customers in Europe and the United Arab Emirates, while IHC prepares to acquire an 80% stake in Marlan Space.

Reuters

High activity

Singapore Airlines seeks greater control before committing fresh capital to Air India

Singapore Airlines is expected to demand greater management influence and stronger governance rights before approving additional funding for Air India, where Tata Group’s turnaround has faced financial, operational and safety challenges. The negotiations follow Air India’s request for a significant shareholder capital infusion.