Julian Moxon/PARIS
Latécoère is interested in taking over Aerospatiale Matra's general aviation and aerostructures business, Socata. The subsidiary's future seems to be in doubt following newly merged French giant Aerospatiale Matra's declaration that it is studying "all options" as part of a bid to double operating margins, to 8%, by 2003.
Socata has lost money for years, but achieved break-even last year after a 13% rise in sales, largely from increased aerostructures work for Airbus Industrie and Dassault Aviation. The company is also Europe's largest general aviation aircraft manufacturer, with that business accounting for around 40% of turnover. Sales are expected to grow by 35% this year.
Latécoère finance director Jean-Jacques Pigneres confirms the interest in Socata, but adds: "We are only at the stage of early discussions. Nothing is decided yet." Although Socata's aerostructures activities would complement those of Latécoère, the light aircraft component would not fit as well. Aerospatiale Matra says it is "studying all options which will enable Socata to retain its integrity and to reinforce its Airbus activities".
Latécoère's half-yearly results reveal a 24% rise in income, to € 4.9 million ($5.2 million). Sales rose 14%, to € 97.1 million.
Source: Flight International
