German carmaker DaimlerChrysler chief executive Dieter Zetsche is committed to retaining at least 15% of Airbus parent EADS, despite an increased focus on its core automotive activity.
The German firm, which owns 30% of EADS, revealed earlier this month that it plans to reduce this stake to 22.5%.
Speaking at DaimlerChrysler’s annual general meeting, Zetsche said: “In 2005, EADS substantially exceeded its financial targets for the sixth year in a row. Its order volume has more than doubled — partially due to the large demand for the Airbus A380.
“And that’s an excellent basis for achieving further profitable growth in the years ahead. We aim to support this growth and to remain a major shareholder with a stake of at least 15%.”
He adds that if it were to slim down its shareholding, DaimlerChrysler would “strive to maintain the balance” between German and French shareholders.
DaimlerChrysler and French media group Lagardere, which owns 15% of EADS, are each offloading 7.5% stakes in the company. This maintains the Franco-German balance as the French State also holds 15% of the Airbus parent.
Source: Flight International
