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• Finalisation of the original agreement signed in December 2014;
• JV becomes a fully-integrated world-class company, with about 8,400 employees;
• The new-generation Ariane 6 launcher will make its first flight in 2020.
Airbus Safran Launchers was already managing launcher programme activities and associated equity stakes, and with this closing the company officially incorporates the parent companies' assets and subsidiaries related to its core business.
Airbus Safran Launchers is a world-class company, with about 8,400 employees in France and Germany. It is the head company in a group comprising 11 subsidiaries and affiliates, all leading players in their fields: APP, Arianespace, Cilas, Eurockot, Eurocryospace, Europropulsion, Nuclétudes, Pyroalliance, Regulus, Sodern and Starsem. Airbus Safran Launchers inherits a rich portfolio of products and services, enabling it to deliver innovative and competitive solutions to numerous customers around the world.
Today's final step is the culmination of an ambitious strategic initiative, started in 2014, to reshape the launcher industry in Europe and better serve French, German and European strategic interests.
Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus Group, said: "With the closing of this agreement, Airbus Safran Launchers becomes fully operational and will focus all its efforts on delivering more competitive solutions to its customers. Top of the list is the next generation Ariane 6 launcher, which is due to have its maiden flight as early as 2020."
Philippe Petitcolin, CEO of Safran, said: "I would like to extend my warm thanks to our customers, partners, suppliers and, of course, our employees, for their support and trust during this process. Achieving such a radical transformation is a complex and challenging task. But it sets us firmly on the path to a more integrated, more efficient and more competitive European launcher industry."
In order to obtain a 50% stake in Airbus Safran Launchers, Safran will make an economic equalisation of €750 million.
Airbus Group is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2015, the Group comprising Airbus, Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Helicopters generated revenues of €64.5 billion and employed a workforce of around 136,600.
About Airbus Safran Launchers
The creation of Airbus Safran Launchers (airbusafran-launchers.com) opens a new chapter in the history of the launcher industry. Reflecting the joint ambition of Airbus Group and Safran to boost the European space industry to unscaled heights, our new company will develop innovative and competitive solutions by uniting the strengths of two leading contributors to modern launch vehicles. Airbus Safran Launchers is equally owned, combining Airbus Defence and Space's expertise in launchers (especially in France and Germany), and Safran's expertise in liquid and solid rocket propulsion.
Contacts
Martin Agüera / Matthieu Duvelleroy / Rod Stone - Airbus
P: +49(0)175 227 4369 / +33(0)146 974 440
Peter Campbell - Analysts & Investors - Safran
P: +33(0)1 40 60 35 96
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catherine.malek[.]safran.fr 
