Artist’s rendition of the Ariane 6 rocket. Photo: ESA

[Via Satellite 06-16-2015] Airbus Safran Launchers (ASL) has reached an agreement with France and the French Space Agency (CNES) to buy CNES’ 35 percent stake in Arianespace. The shift, subject to completion of all regulatory consultation and approval procedures, increases ASL’s hold to 74 percent of Arianespace’s share capital.

The remaining 26 percent, spread across 10 countries in Europe involved in the Ariane and Vega launch vehicles, stays unchanged. Arianespace also retains its status as an independent company.

The share purchase is part of ASL’s three-point initiative to establish itself as a joint venture, develop the Ariane 6 as a more competitive rocket, and introduce new industry-centric governance of commercial operations within European launcher programs.

“This announcement is an important step as it will enable us, in agreement with the other European industrial shareholders, to optimize the industrial sector right through to the launch operator while retaining all the key factors of Arianespace’s success,” said Alain Charmeau, CEO of Airbus Safran Launchers.