Revamp of EADS shareholder pact close

The Airbus parent said it was in talks on its ownership with France, German and Spain, and people familiar with the matter said the talks involved a sweeping re-arrangement of government stakes.

That would be coupled with a staged exit of its industrial partners, reducing big shareholder blocks below 30 per cent instead of more than 50 per cent.

“The company is participating actively in such discussions ... with the objective to preserve and enhance... the interests of all stakeholders,” EADS said.

French President Francois Hollande said EADS shareholders were close to a deal.

“We need to revamp the shareholder pact,” Mr Hollande add- ed.

“An agreement is close (but) it is not yet completely signed.”