The European Commission decided on June 10th. 2008, not to oppose the notified concentration between Iberia, ST Aerospace and JV, and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6.1 b.) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004.

On May 5th. 2008, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 139/2004 by which the undertakings Iberia Lineas Aereas de Espana, S.A. ("Iberia", Spain) and Singapore Technologies Aerospace,Ltd. ("ST Aerospace", Singapore), acquire within the meaning of Article 3.1 b.) of the Council Regulation, joint control of the undertaking Madrid Aerospace Services, S.L. ("JV", Spain) by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture.

The joint venture, owned on a 50/50 basis by Iberia and ST Aerospace, will principally be active in the segment maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for landing gears on Airbus platform types.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

• Iberia: air transport of passengers and cargoes, as well as aircraft maintenance and other complementary activities;
• ST Aerospace: airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul ("MRO") with regard to regional and military aircraft, as well as B737NG and MD80/90 aircraft;
• JV: MRO services for landing gears on Airbus platform types.

After examination of the notification, the Commission has concluded that the notified operation falls within the scope of Council Regulation (EC) No. 139/2004 and of paragraph 5 a.) of the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No. 139/20042.

For the reasons set out in the Notice on a simplified procedure, the Commission has decided not to oppose the notified operation and to declare it compatible with the common market and with the EEA Agreement.

This decision is adopted in application of Article 6.1 b.) of Council Regulation (EC) No. 139/2004.