LONDON- Boeing Company has received approval from Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for its proposed all-stock, $4.7 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems. The CMA decided against launching a deeper “Phase 2” investigation and will publish its full decision soon.
This clearance clears one major regulatory hurdle and brings Boeing one step closer to reintegrating Spirit—a move aimed at strengthening its supply chain, improving quality control, and boosting investor confidence.
Photo: Spirit AerosystemsUK Approves Boeing Spirit Merger
What this really means is that Boeing now has the green light in the UK to move forward—but two more key approvals still stand in the way: from the European Commission and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
The deal reunites Boeing with the world’s largest standalone aerostructures company, ending nearly two decades of Spirit’s independence since its spin-off.
It also reopens access to key manufacturing plants in Wichita and Tulsa and brings back direct control of critical fuselage parts for Boeing’s jetliners.
At the same time, Airbus has been acquiring Spirit’s facilities in Europe and elsewhere—securing its own supply chain for A220 and A350 production.
In mid-2024, Boeing announced plans to reacquire Spirit in an all-stock deal valued at $4.7 billion in equity, or $8.3 billion including debt.
The CMA launched a Phase 1 merger inquiry in late June 2025 and set an August 28 deadline for its decision.
With this approval, the CMA confirmed the deal would not “substantially lessen competition” in the UK—thanks in part to Airbus’s simultaneous asset purchases from Spirit.
Photo: Spirit AerosystemsWhat Comes Next
Boeing expects to close the deal by the end of Q4 2025, pending receipt of remaining regulatory sign-offs.
Success can yield significant benefits, including streamlined operations, improved quality control, better cost management, and enhanced supply chain resilience.
Still, there are risks—particularly labor challenges in Belfast and financial uncertainties tied to integrating Spirit’s operations.
Photo: Boeing AirplanesBoeing and Spirit Aerosystems Deal Details
Boeing has struck a definitive agreement to buy Spirit AeroSystems in an all-stock transaction valued at about $4.7 billion in equity, or $37.25 per share. Including Spirit’s net debt, the deal is worth roughly $8.3 billion.
Under the terms, Spirit shareholders will receive Boeing stock at an exchange ratio between 0.18 and 0.25 Boeing shares per Spirit share, depending on Boeing’s average share price in the 15 trading days before closing.
If Boeing’s price averages $149 or lower, Spirit investors get the top ratio of 0.25. If it averages $206.94 or higher, they get 0.18.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said reintegrating Spirit will align production systems, safety and quality programs, and incentives across both workforces. “By reintegrating Spirit, we can fully align our commercial production systems… centered on safety and quality,” Calhoun said.
The deal covers nearly all of Spirit’s Boeing-related commercial work, plus selected defense, commercial, and aftermarket operations. Boeing will work with Spirit to maintain operations for acquired programs, including those tied to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Separately, Airbus and Spirit have signed a binding term sheet for Airbus to buy specific Spirit operations that supply its aircraft, pending final agreements and regulatory approvals. Spirit also plans to sell facilities in Belfast, Northern Ireland (non-Airbus work), Prestwick, Scotland, and Subang, Malaysia.
The Boeing–Spirit transaction is expected to close in mid-2025, subject to regulatory clearance, Spirit shareholder approval, and completion of the planned divestitures.
Background
Spirit AeroSystems was formed in 2005 when Boeing spun off its commercial aerostructures division. Today, it’s one of the world’s largest aerostructure suppliers, producing fuselages, wings, pylons, and nacelles for commercial, defense, and business aircraft.
The company operates in the U.S., U.K., France, Malaysia, and Morocco, and also provides aftermarket services.
Advisors to Boeing include PJT Partners (lead), Goldman Sachs, and Consello, with Sullivan & Cromwell as legal counsel.
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