Market Chatter: Airbus Reportedly Mulls Selling Assets to Win EU Approval for Space Merger with Thales, Leonardo SpA

06:12 AM EDT, 09/25/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Airbus (AIR.PA, AIR.F) is reportedly considering selling a few of its assets to address European competition concerns over its planned space merger with Thales (HO.PA) and Leonardo SpA (LDO.MI), according to a Friday report. London's Financial Times cited three unnamed sources as saying that Airbus suggested the move during discussions with the EU antitrust regulators. The sources cautioned, however, that talks are ongoing and no decision has been made. A formal plan is expected to be submitted to the European Commission later in 2026. The companies announced the merger in October 2025 and expect the new company to be operational in 2027, subject to regulatory clearances. Airbus, Thales and Leonardo did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)