UK Approves Boeing’s Acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially approved Boeing’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems. The review, launched in June, found no grounds for a competition breach and was therefore not escalated to an in-depth investigation. The final decision is expected to be announced soon, with the transaction anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of this year.

The $4.7 billion deal, announced in July 2024, is part of Boeing’s plan to regain control over the production of key aircraft components and improve quality. Spirit AeroSystems operated as Boeing’s Wichita facilities until 2005, when it was sold to Onex Corporation. The company produces fuselage structures for programs such as the Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner, and employs more than 18,000 people across the United States, France, Malaysia, Morocco, and the United Kingdom.

Spirit AeroSystems shareholders also approved the $8.3 billion merger plan in recent months. In July, Boeing additionally acquired part of Spirit’s assets in Belfast after Airbus withdrew from the process. The agreement is expected to provide Boeing with significant strategic strength, following years of crises, quality issues, and loss of public trust.