Dependence on Joint Ventures and Minority Holdings

EADS generates a substantial proportion of its revenues through various consortia, joint ventures and equity holdings. These arrangements include primarily:

• the Eurofighter and AirTanker consortia;
• three principal joint ventures: MBDA, ATR and Atlas Electronik;
• majority interest: Dornier GmbH; and
• investment in associates: Dassault Aviation.

The formation of partnerships and alliances with other market players is an integral strategy of EADS and the proportion of sales generated from consortia, joint ventures and equity holdings may rise in future years. This strategy may from time to time lead to changes in the organisational structure, or realignment in the control, of EADS’ existing joint ventures.

EADS exercises varying and evolving degrees of control in the consortia, joint ventures and equity holdings in which it participates. While EADS seeks to participate only in ventures in which its interests are aligned with those of its partners, the risk of disagreement or deadlock is inherent in a jointly controlled entity, particularly in those entities that require the unanimous consent of all members with regard to major decisions and specify limited exit rights. The other parties in these entities may also be competitors of EADS, and thus may have interests that differ from those of EADS.

In addition, in those holdings in which EADS is a minority partner or shareholder, EADS’ access to the entity’s books and records, and as a consequence, EADS’ knowledge of the entity’s operations and results, is generally limited as compared to entities in which EADS is a majority holder or is involved in the day-to-day management.

Product Liability and Warranty Claims

EADS designs, develops and produces a number of high profile products of large individual value, particularly civil and military aircraft and space equipment. EADS is subject to the risk of product liability and warranty claims in the event that any of its products fails to perform as designed. While EADS believes that its insurance programmes are adequate to protect it from such liabilities, no assurances can be given that claims will not arise in the future or that such insurance cover will be adequate.

Intellectual Property

EADS relies upon patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, and agreements with its employees, customers, suppliers and other parties, to establish and maintain its intellectual property rights in technology and products used in its operations. Despite these efforts to protect its intellectual property rights, any of EADS’ direct or indirect intellectual property rights could be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. Further, the laws of certain countries do not protect EADS’ proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws in Europe and the United States. Therefore, in certain jurisdictions EADS may be unable to protect its proprietary technology adequately against unauthorised third-party copying or use, which could adversely affect its competitive position.

In addition, although EADS believes that it lawfully complies with the intellectual property rights granted to others, it could have claims asserted against it for infringement of the intellectual property rights of third parties. These claims could harm its reputation, cost it money and prevent it from offering certain products or services. Any claims or litigation in this area, whether EADS ultimately wins or loses, could be time-consuming and costly, injure EADS’ reputation or require it to enter into licensing arrangements. EADS might not be able to enter into these licensing arrangements on acceptable terms. If a claim of infringement were successful against it, an injunction might be ordered against EADS, causing further damages.

Export Controls and Other Regulations

The export market is a significant market for EADS. In addition, many of the products EADS designs and manufactures for military use are considered to be of national strategic interest. Consequently, the export of such products outside of EADS’ domestic markets may be restricted or subject to licensing and export controls, notably by the U.K., France, Germany and Spain, where EADS carries out its principal military activities as well as by other countries where suppliers come from, notably, the U.S. There can be no assurance (i) that the export controls to which EADS is subject will not become more restrictive, (ii) that new generations of EADS products will not also be subject to similar or more stringent controls or (iii) that geopolitical factors will not make it impossible to obtain export licenses for one or more clients or constrain EADS’ ability to perform under previously signed contracts. Reduced access to military export markets may have a material adverse effect on EADS’ business, financial condition and results of operations.

EADS is also subject to a variety of other governmental regulations that may adversely affect its business and financial condition, including among others, regulations relating to the protection of the environment, the use of its products, labour practices and dealings with foreign officials. In addition, EADS’ ability to market new products and enter new markets may be dependent on obtaining government certifications and approvals in a timely manner.