The Hague, 1 December 2005 – Dutch Space BV, the largest space company in the Netherlands and leading international space industry supplier joins EADS SPACE, Europe’s number one in space. In the presence of the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Mr L.J Brinkhorst, EADS SPACE CEO François Auque and the CEO of Dutch Space Ben Spee signed the acquisition contract integrating Dutch Space into the EADS SPACE group of companies. This transaction confirms EADS’ leading role in European space business as EADS now integrates space industry in five European countries.

“We are delighted that Dutch Space is joining EADS SPACE. Dutch Space has a long and successful history in the space business and will be an excellent asset to our portfolio,” stated François Auque, CEO of EADS SPACE and member of the EADS Executive Committee. “Its integration into EADS SPACE further strengthens the company’s prime and product leading role in the Netherlands. Henceforth, EADS SPACE will be represented in 5 European countries,” added Mr Auque.

Ben Spee, CEO of Dutch Space, added that the new industrial link between EADS and The Netherlands, through Dutch Space, will positively influence the space activities in The Netherlands. “Dutch Space is glad to proceed as part of a successful European aerospace company”, he said.

Upon completion of the acquisition, Dutch Space will be part of EADS SPACE Transportation. Already an important EADS SPACE Transportation supplier, the business will be integrated into EADS SPACE’s European network of centres of excellence, whilst retaining the national character and strengthening the position of Dutch Space on the marketplace.

Dutch Space, formerly part of the Fokker group, was established as an independent company in 1995, and has nearly 300 employees. The company’s core business areas are robotics, space instruments, launchers and solar arrays. In spacecraft solar arrays, the company’s range extends from telecoms and science to Earth observation applications. Dutch Space’s unique expertise in lightweight, rigid and strong structural components has led to close involvement in the Ariane launcher development and production programme. Dutch Space contributes the “Engine Thrust Frame” for the first and second stage of the Ariane 5 launcher. The company is also responsible for design and production of interstage 1/2 of the new small European Launcher VEGA, and was prime contractor for the Robotic Arm – a major European contribution to the International Space Station.

EADS SPACE will promote the prime role of Dutch Space business and the specialist disciplines and products, consistent with the Netherlands Space policy. Besides, EADS has agreed to support Dutch Space activities for the future development of the company in line with the expected growth of the European Space market.

EADS pursues a strategy of reinforcing its partnership with the Dutch aerospace industry through several programmes involving mainly Airbus but also Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) activities. Stork Aerospace is already a major supplier to the A330 and A340 family and in particular to the A380. Airbus and Stork are currently in discussion on further significant work packages and Stork’s participation in the A350 programme. Both companies are also cooperating in Research and Technology Development following an agreement signed in April 2005.

EADS sees UAVs as a new field of potential future co-operation and is in discussions with the Netherland’s Industrial MALE UAV Platform (NIMUP).

EADS SPACE, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems. In 2004, EADS SPACE had a turnover of €2.6 billion and 11,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain. It has three main subsidiaries: EADS SPACE Transportation, for launchers and orbital infrastructure, EADS Astrium for satellites and ground segment and EADS SPACE Services to develop and deliver satellite services.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. In 2004, EADS generated revenues of €31.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 110,000

Contacts for the media:

  • EADS SPACE (FR) Rémi ROLAND +33 (0) 1 42 24 27 34
  • EADS SPACE (FR) Dr. Christian ERLES +33 (0) 1 39 06 32 53
  • EADS SPACE (D) Dr. Mathias SPUDE +49 (0) 421 539 5710
  • Dutch Space (NL) Geert MENNENGA +31 (0) 71 5245120
  • Ministry of Economic Affairs (NL) +31 (0) 70 3796464