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UK competition watchdog weighs probe into Boeing-Spirit Aero deal

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 26, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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UK competition watchdog weighs probe into Boeing-Spirit Aero deal
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(Reuters) -Britain's competition regulator is considering whether Boeing's deal to acquire its former subsidiary Spirit AeroSystems could affect competition in the country or in other markets, it said

UK Watchdog Considers Investigation into Boeing's Spirit AeroSystems Deal

(Reuters) -Britain's competition regulator is considering whether Boeing's deal to acquire its former subsidiary Spirit AeroSystems could affect competition in the country or in other markets, it said on Thursday.

The Competition and Markets Authority has not yet launched a formal investigation, but has invited comments from interested parties by July 15 to help inform a decision. 

Boeing and Spirit did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Boeing spun off Spirit's core Wichita and Oklahoma plants in 2005, but in 2024 it agreed to buy back Spirit AeroSystems for $4.7 billion in stock to streamline its operations and improve quality control, ending nearly two decades of independence of the world's largest standalone aerostructures company.

European rival Airbus had also finalized a deal in April to acquire several Spirit AeroSystems facilities tied to its aircraft programs.

(Reporting by Pushkala Aripaka and Shivansh Tiwary in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)

Key Takeaways

  • UK's CMA is assessing Boeing's acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems.
  • The deal could impact competition in the UK and other markets.
  • Comments from interested parties are invited by July 15.
  • Boeing aims to streamline operations with the acquisition.
  • Airbus has also acquired Spirit facilities related to its programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the UK's competition regulator regarding Boeing?
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is considering whether Boeing's acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems could affect competition in the UK or other markets.
Has the Competition and Markets Authority launched a formal investigation?
No, the Competition and Markets Authority has not yet launched a formal investigation but has invited comments from interested parties to inform their decision.
What was the value of Boeing's deal to acquire Spirit AeroSystems?
Boeing agreed to buy back Spirit AeroSystems for $4.7 billion in stock to streamline its operations and improve quality control.
What other significant acquisition is mentioned in the article?
The article mentions that European rival Airbus finalized a deal in April to acquire several Spirit AeroSystems facilities tied to its aircraft programs.
When is the deadline for comments to the Competition and Markets Authority?
The deadline for comments from interested parties to the Competition and Markets Authority is July 15.

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