The U.S. Federal Trade Commission announced on Wednesday that it will require Boeing to divest significant assets of Spirit AeroSystems to address competition concerns over its $8.3 billion acquisition of the company, which produces major components of jetliner wings and fuselages, including those for the Boeing 737.
The FTC’s order could complicate Boeing’s plan to close the deal by year’s end. A 30-day public comment period is now open, though Boeing and Spirit may finalize the transaction before that period concludes, subject to additional regulatory oversight. Boeing’s shares fell 3.2% in intraday trading following the announcement.
The commission specifically wants Boeing to divest parts of Spirit that supply aerostructures to European rival Airbus, with agreements already in place for Airbus to purchase certain Spirit components. The order also ensures Spirit continues supplying Boeing’s competitors for upcoming military aircraft programs, including the U.S. military’s sixth-generation F-47 fighter and the Navy’s F/A-XX fighter contract.
The divestments are intended to prevent Boeing from gaining undue control over Airbus’ supply chain and from limiting competition in the defense sector. A Boeing spokesperson said the company welcomes the FTC’s approval and remains committed to completing the acquisition, emphasizing that the merger will strengthen its ability to produce safe, high-quality airplanes.