Thales Buys EADS’ 50% Stake in TDA Armaments

EADS and Thales have agreed to simplify the shareholder and management structure at TDA Armements by selling EADS’ 50% share in TDA Armements, leaving Thales with 100% of the company. TDA Armements in La Ferte Saint Aubin, France and in Herstal, Belgium employs 471 people and generated sales of approximately EUR 90 million in 2004. Thales, in contrast, sold EUR 2.3 billion in land forces equipment alone. The deal is expected to be finalized by the end of 2005.

With respect to the companies, the acquisition, and their respective competencies, Thales notes:

“TDA Armements specialises in four main areas: land based weapon systems, air launched weapon systems, munitronics (munition electronics) and missile components. As an integral part of Thales Land & Joint Systems division, TDA Armements enjoys a strong position in such key growth areas as Local Area Control Systems, smart munitions designed to increase the precision of weapons systems as well as systems to ensure the safety and protection of deployed troops.

“The 100 % control of TDA Armements is an essential step in Thales’ development in Land Systems. It enables Thales to gain strategic independence in order to establish key alliances with European players in this field.” said Bruno Rambaud, Thales Senior Vice President, Managing Director of Land & Joint Systems Division.”

Thales Land & Joint Systems Division offers C4ISR systems, simulators, missiles, some armaments like the vehicle-based mortar, 21st century soldier systems like the British FIST and French FELIN, vehicle integration, and UAV/UGV development. Read corporate release.