European aerospace and defence group EADS said on Thursday that its space division EADS Space had acquired Netherlands-based space company Dutch Space.
European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) did not reveal how much it had paid to acquire Dutch Space, which has annual turnover of about 65 million euros (76 million dollars) and employs nearly 300 people.
Dutch Space, a subsidiary of Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker until 1995, is specialised in robotics, space equipment and satellite launchers and supplied equipment for the European satellite-launching rocket Ariane 5, which took off earlier this month, EADS said.
In a statement issued by EADS, the chief executive of EADS Space, Francois Auque, said: "Dutch Space has a long and successful history in the space business and will be an excellent asset to our portfolio."
The agreement was signed by Auque and the chief executive of Dutch Space, Ben Spee, in the presence of Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Laurens Jan Brinkhorst.
EADS said the acquisition of Dutch Space meant it would be active in five European countries.
EADS added that it was looking at ways to deepen ties with Dutch partners such as Stork Aerospace, which is already a major supplier to European aircraft maker Airbus, an 80-percent-owned subsidiary of EADS.
