The Commission has published in the Official Journal of the European Union of February 10th 2009, the prior notification of a concentration between French undertakings Dassault Aviation, TSA and Thales, and invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations to the Commission no later than ten after this publication.

On February 3rd, 2009, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) Nº 139/2004, by which the undertakings Dassault Aviation (‘Dassault Aviation’, France), controlled by Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault and TSA (‘TSA’, France), controlled by the French State acquire within the meaning of Article 3.1 b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertaking Thales (‘Thales’, France) by way of purchase of shares.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of  such Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

Business activities of the concerned undertakings

• Dassault Aviation (Public, EPA:AM): Dassault Aviation is a major world player in the aeronautical industry, involved in the civilian and military fields. The company’s leadership status is driven by expertise in emerging and strategic technologies, trend-setting design capabilities, lean and flexible production facilities, a highly skilled and committed workforce, and a broad portfolio of civilian and military products. Dassault activities include sales of business jets, military aircrafts and components for satellites.
• TSA: holding company.
• Thales (Public, EPA:HO): Sales of equipment for aircrafts, air systems, military and civil communication systems, naval ships and naval systems, security systems and satellites and equipments for satellites. With operations in 50 countries and 68,000 employees, Thales is a world leader in Mission-critical information systems for the Aerospace, Defence and Security markets.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission. These observations must reach the Commission within the ten days following the date of this publication.

They can be sent to the Commission either by fax: +32 2 296 43 01 / 296 72 44; or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5426 — Dassault Aviation/TSA/Thales, to the following address:

European Commission
Directorate-General for Competition
Merger Registry
J-70
B-1049 Brussels