Eurocopter Reinforces Presence in Japan; Acquires 80 percent Stake in Euroheli | India Defence Page 1 of 1

Source: http://www.india-defence.com/reports/4313

Eurocopter Reinforces Presence in Japan; Acquires 80 percent Stake in Euroheli

Dated 2/4/2009

Eurocopter, the world’

s leading helicopter manufacturer is pleased to announce the acquisition of 80% of Euroheli Corporation's shares from ITOCHU Corporation. As a
result, Eurocopter's share of the business will increase from 10 % to a high of 90%. ITOCHU Corporation keeps 10% of the company's shares and remains an important
partner for Eurocopter in the country.

Eurocopter is now the major shareholder of Euroheli, its former helicopter distributor in Japan. As at 1st April 09, Euroheli’
s staff and activities have been merged with that of
Eurocopter Japan (ECJ). The new enlarged ECJ subsidiary will continue to be headed by Mr. Stephane Ginoux, the current CEO. With a staff strength of around 60
employees, it becomes the first foreign aircraft manufacturer in Japan to carry out direct sales and customer support activities for Eurocopter’
s entire range of civil and
military helicopters.

Mr. Lutz Bertling, CEO of Eurocopter stated on the establishment of ECJ, “This investment is completely in-line with our business strategy of being multi-local players in all
Eurocopter’
s key markets. It proves our commitment to Japan based on our 40 years of experiences in the market. Through this acquisition, we will be able to consolidate
our strength and capabilities in Japan thanks to Euroheli’
s pool of professional and experienced staff. With an increase in resources and a reinforced presence in the
country, Eurocopter will be in a better position to serve our existing civil and governmental customers as well as to further develop our activities in the defence market”.

Today, Eurocopter has a market share of 57% in the civil and parapublic sectors in Japan with a fleet of 360 helicopters. As for the defence market, there are currently 3
EC225 VIP helicopters flying for the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Forces, to which will add a fleet of EC135 training helicopters following its recent selection by the
Maritime Self-Defence Forces.

Eurocopter is committed to promoting its wide range of civil and military products to all its customers in Japan, such as the state-of-the-art NH90* helicopter to the country’
s
Self-Defence Forces. As in the past with the co-development program for the BK117 helicopter which became a proven success, Eurocopter remains open to future
opportunities for local industrial co-operation in the country.

* The NH90 is a helicopter in the 9-10 metric ton class intended to modernise and boost the capability of the tactical transport and anti-submarine combat fleets. It is
developed by NHI - joint venture established between Eurocopter, Agusta Westland and Stork Fokker.

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