Boeing’s US$4.7 Billion Spirit Deal Set for EU Antitrust Approval

Boeing is expected to secure European Union antitrust approval for its US$4.7 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, according to sources cited by Reuters. To address competition concerns, Spirit may need to sell certain businesses.

The deal, announced in July 2024, aims to streamline Boeing’s operations and enhance quality control. Expected remedies include divesting Spirit’s loss-making Europe-focused activities to Airbus and facilities in Prestwick, Scotland; Subang, Malaysia; and Belfast, covering both Airbus-related and independent operations to meet EU requirements.

The European Commission will announce its decision by Oct. 14. Boeing and Spirit declined to comment. The UK approved the deal without conditions in August. Analysts note Boeing has long considered reacquiring Spirit, despite challenges the supplier faced operating independently in the European market.