The European Commission is expected to move quickly on its competition review of Project Bromo, the planned satellite joint venture combining Airbus Space Systems and Airbus Intelligence with Thales Alenia Space and Leonardo’s space business. Bloomberg-sourced reporting indicates Brussels could clear the transaction soon after the companies submit their formal notification, although no application has yet been filed.
The venture is intended to create a stronger European supplier of space infrastructure and reduce dependence on US satellite providers, including SpaceX’s Starlink network. Airbus, Leonardo and Thales have spent about a year discussing potential competition concerns with EU officials before submitting the transaction for review.
A clearance could follow an initial investigation lasting slightly more than one month if the companies offer remedies, potentially including asset sales. If concerns remain, the Commission could open a more extensive investigation lasting several months.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has backed Bromo as a strategically important European industrial project. Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera has cautioned that political support will not exempt the venture from EU competition rules. The case will test the bloc’s revised approach to mergers intended to create large European companies capable of competing with US and Chinese rivals.