EADS accelerates disposal plans for its subsidiary Socata.

According to concomitant sources cited by La Tribune, EADS and Airbus are in talks with potential buyers for Socata, the Tarbes-based specialist in light aviation and airframes. Daher reportedly is among the candidates, as well as some investment funds. However, Mubadala, a fund of the Emirates, would not be in the run. A source close to the matter expects EADS to make a decision “before the summer”. The operation is nonetheless pending to the allocation of airframe contracts for the A350 XWB programme. If Socata was not part of this programme, several bidders could lose interest in acquiring the group. Indeed, Daher marketing and development director Didier Kayat confirmed to the AFX that the company would decide whether to “go further” with its partnership with Socata depending on the award of work packages for the new A350. AFX (09/04), La Tribune