Boeing - Embraer Deal Cancelled

[Zeffy]

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeing-kills-its-4-2-billion-purchase-of-embraer/

Boeing kills its $4.2 billion purchase of Embraer
April 25, 2020 at 7:30 am

By Dominic Gates
Seattle Times aerospace reporter

After more than two years of negotiations, Boeing on Friday abruptly terminated its proposed $4.2 billion deal to acquire the commercial jet business of Brazilian regional jetmaker Embraer.

Boeing let a midnight Friday deadline to extend negotiations over the closing terms of the deal, citing an inability to come to a final agreement. “Boeing exercised its rights to terminate after Embraer did not satisfy the necessary conditions,” the company said in a statement.

However, industry observers who had been expecting the decision believe the key reason for terminating the deal is the collapse in demand for airplanes due to the coronavirus pandemic and Boeing’s urgent need to conserve cash as revenue dries up.

The pandemic has so changed Boeing’s circumstances that killing the acquisition plan has looked inevitable.

Politically, going forward with a major foreign investment could have derailed Boeing’s negotiations with the U.S. government for a massive loan to survive the brutal business downturn.

The deal would have been Boeing’s largest acquisition since it bought McDonnell Douglas in 1997. While its failure seems a short-term necessity, it’s nevertheless a blow to the jetmaker’s long-term strategy and to its competitive position against European rival Airbus.

Boeing had seen Embraer as providing a new line-up of smaller jets to extend its airplane offerings. It had also hoped to gain from Embraer’s substantial engineering talent in Brazil.

Boeing had said Embraer’s facilities near São Paulo “will become one of Boeing’s centers of excellence for end-to-end design, manufacturing, and support of commercial passenger aircraft, and will be fully integrated into Boeing’s broader production and supply chain.”

That plan has now evaporated. With the commercial airplane market looking like it will shrink significantly and not recover for some years, instead of expanding to Brazil, Boeing instead faces the prospect of down-sizing.

Advantage Airbus
Embraer, headquartered outside São Paulo, is the world’s leading maker of regional jets. Its commercial jets, known as E-jets, are smaller and shorter-range airplanes than those built by Airbus and Boeing, used on many domestic flights on less dense routes.

Alaska Airlines, for example, flies the 76-seat E-175.

Embraer also makes corporate business jets and military airplanes. Boeing was proposing to buy only the E-jet business, with a separate agreement to form a joint venture that would promote Embraer’s defense products, especially its KC-390 military transport and air refueling tanker aircraft.

After years of collaborating with Embraer and considering a purchase, Boeing announced in December 2017 that it was in talks to acquire Embraer’s commercial business.

The proposed acquisition was propelled by a need for competitive balance after Airbus acquired the small C-Series jet, known now as the Airbus A220, from Embraer’s Canadian competitor Bombardier.

The A220 has already proven a sales success for Airbus. And when the pandemic recedes and the airline world resumes flying with smaller passenger loads, its small may make it even more attractive to airlines.

Now Boeing has lost its planned contending line-up in that category, leaving Airbus at a competitive advantage.

The Embraer deal was originally expected to close by this spring but was delayed pending regulatory approval by the European Union. That delay may have been fortuitous, preventing an expansion and a big outlay of cash at a moment when neither are appropriate.

According to the terms of the agreement signed by both parties in January 2019, Boeing would be required to pay Embraer a termination fee of $75 million if it pulled out with all the closing conditions met.

However, Boeing spokeswoman Allison Bone said Saturday that with the lack of final agreement on those conditions, “we don’t believe a termination fee applies in the circumstances.”

Dominic Gates: 206-464-2963 or [email protected]; on Twitter: @dominicgates.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Its going to get very ugly.
Boeing does not have the money to continue after the Max issue, the B777-9 delay and the final nail in the coffin, Covid 19.

[DaveReidUK]

Its going to get very ugly.
Boeing does not have the money to continue after the Max issue, the B777-9 delay and the final nail in the coffin, Covid 19.

Post Covid-19, things aren't going to be any easier for the airlines that operate Embraer's regional jets than for Boeing/Airbus customers, in fact probably harder.

I doubt we'll see the demise of Boeing, but as for Embraer ...

[Dave Therhino]

Embraer over the years has developed an excellent engineering capability, in house historical engineering knowledge, and knowledge of transport airplane design requirements to the point where there is a viable third manufacturer in the world from an engineering experience standpoint. Many of us who have worked with them have been very concerned about the effects that a merger with Boeing would have on these difficult to develop and difficult to restore engineering capabilities. This cancellation may actually be a good thing overall.

[atakacs]

Post Covid-19, things aren't going to be any easier for the airlines that operate Embraer's regional jets than for Boeing/Airbus customers, in fact probably harder.

I doubt we'll see the demise of Boeing, but as for Embraer ...
I agree that whatever they might do Boeing will never go under as long as there is a functioning government in the US. Embraer are making excellent aircrafts but the Brasilian government doesn't have the same means... Hope the strive (I really hate the current duopoly) but choppy times ahead

[The Baron]

The world is going to be a different place after Covid-19. Fleets of 150+ seat narrow body aircraft could well be uneconomic due to to sustained reduced pax demand possibly for years. E190 and E195 aircraft may well be in the new "sweet spot". You won't be able to give a Max away.

[Less Hair]

So after Bombardier Boeing burns bridges with Embraer too?

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Please "Note" l was not suggesting that even though Boeing is asking the US Government for financial help in this crisis, that they will fail.
I was trying to suggest that Boeing no longer has the money available for the deal.
It would not look good to those in DC where they are asking for help, that they are going to spend money on a tie up with a overseas company.

[DIBO]

Seems they are not going to separate as friends... "Embraer says that Boeing wrongfully terminated the Master Transaction Agreement" https://www.aviation24.be/manufacturers/embraer/embraer-says-that-boeing-wrongfully-terminated-the-master-transaction-agreement/

[atakacs]

Well I hope the lawyers drafted the contracts with an out for force majeure. If not the US tax payer might be left with a nice bill...

[procede]

It would not look good to those in DC where they are asking for help, that they are going to spend money on a tie up with a overseas company.
Not just that. The US taxpayer would also have to spend money to save what is now Embraer...
As for the repercussions of cancelling the deal: when has the US ever complied with international law when it was not in their own interest? Especially with the current president...

[Jet Jockey A4]

Another article...

https://ca.yahoo.com/news/boeing-pulls-embraer-merger-talks-131937345.html

[ManaAdaSystem]

The world is going to be a different place after Covid-19. Fleets of 150+ seat narrow body aircraft could well be uneconomic due to to sustained reduced pax demand possibly for years. E190 and E195 aircraft may well be in the new "sweet spot". You won't be able to give a Max away.

Or larger aircraft with reduced capacity due to increased spacing between the passengers will be the way to go?

[BEA 71]

I read that DELTA have grounded about 50% of their aircraft, but keep the whole A220 fleet flying. Must be the right size aircraft to be economically operated in the present situation.

[JanetFlight]

Last night i had a dream about chinese COMAC giving an hand to Embraer...

[turbidus]

Boeing needed those engineers from EMB to move engineering offshore. They let all of the engineers go in the US with early outs, and were left with whatever could not be hired elsewhere...

BA was hoping to buy EMB to get a young, experienced engineering staff...

Boeing gutted engineering years ago, as well as manufacturing....

now they are left with the people who could not get jobs elsewhere....

[ORAC]

BEA_71,

This week’s issue of AW&ST has an analysis stating precisely that in the expected market it is the Airbus A220 and the EMB aircraft which are at the sweet spot for range and payload.

[ProPax]

Boeing is making a HUGE mistake by walking away from this deal. Brazil was counting on it, Embraer was counting on it. Now the government doesn't have the money to support its domestic airframer, and Embraer has found itself having a great engineering and manufacturing workforce it can't afford. Boeing has created a desperate situation for Embraer. And nobody can exploit desperation better than the Chinese government. Think African gold, Afghanistan copper, Uzbekistan oil. What China REALLY need now is the know-how of airplane manufacturing and marketing. Embraer has oodles of it, and Brazillian government may have no choice but to sell. Boeing is again pushing a potential ally into the hands of competitors, and making lots of enemies in the process.

If Airbus has any cash left in their coffers, now is a good time to buy Embraer on similar conditions as Bombardier. Only this time, instead of 1 dollar, Brazil may want Airbus to keep the national pride afloat. It will give Airbus absolutely nothing in terms of model range expansion (unless they want to dive into the business jets market) but will eliminate a competitor for their A220 for at least the next decade.

[Jump Complete]

I hope Embraer survive. If they can get through this, it is perhaps better for them to remain independent from the big two.
I have a few hundred hours on the older ERJ145, and always found the passenger experience on the current E-jets (170/190) a pleasant experience. But I don’t understand how a smaller aircraft will have advantage with lower loads. A 180-odd seat 737 or A320 with a 2/3rds load will surely have a better fuel burn per pax seat than a 100 seat aircraft (that burns perhaps 1/3rd less fuel than the larger aircraft) with a reduced passenger load. Especially as, with 2/2 seating, presumably the only option would be a half load.

[neilki]

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeing-kills-its-4-2-billion-purchase-of-embraer/

As good as ever. Alaska does not operate any Ejets. The only Major Airline EJet operators are American & JetBlue. The B6 fleet was already on the way out and AA have been trying the retire their small number for ages..

[vikingivesterled]

BEA_71,

This week’s issue of AW&ST has an analysis stating precisely that in the expected market it is the Airbus A220 and the EMB aircraft which are at the sweet spot for range and payload.

But they are missing a middle seat to keep free so social distancing would be a problem if governments go that way. That could ultimately mean 1/2 load only instead of 2/3.
Unless loaded with halve and halve of couples and singles whch could mean 3/4 load.
It would mean that somebody will have to come up with some smart planning software for seating and loading and that slf load limits will depend on the passengers normal cohabitation arrangements.
In all the commuter planes takeover of the 73x/32x market could be shortlived.

[Spooky 2]

Not just that. The US taxpayer would also have to spend money to save what is now Embraer...
As for the repercussions of cancelling the deal: when has the US ever complied with international law when it was not in their own interest? Especially with the current president...


In case you have not figured it out, the US is tired of doing things that are not in our own best interest. You'll get over it so don't worry.

[DaveReidUK]

In case you have not figured it out, the US is tired of doing things that are not in our own best interest.

Gosh, when was the era that the US ever did anything other than that ?

[Spooky 2]

Gosh, when was the era that the US ever did anything other than that ?


You may be right but I seem to recall the LEND LEASE ACT along with a few others way back when. No need to respond as the thread drift takes away from the original content:)

[WHBM]

As good as ever. Alaska does not operate any Ejets. The only Major Airline EJet operators are American & JetBlue.
The old saying "The proof is in the paint" :(
https://www.airliners.net/photo/Alaska-Airlines-SkyWest-Airlines/Embraer-175LR-ERJ-170-200LR/5445073

What China REALLY need now is the know-how of airplane manufacturing and marketing. Embraer has oodles of it,
I wouldn't say that producing a new type aimed at the US commuter market which does not meet the US scope agreements so none of them will order it is the height of marketing acumen.

[tdracer]

If Airbus has any cash left in their coffers, now is a good time to buy Embraer on similar conditions as Bombardier. Only this time, instead of 1 dollar, Brazil may want Airbus to keep the national pride afloat. It will give Airbus absolutely nothing in terms of model range expansion (unless they want to dive into the business jets market) but will eliminate a competitor for their A220 for at least the next decade.
Airbus is facing a financial nightmare as well - requiring them to dump tens of thousands of workers and quite possibly needed government assistance to remain viable.
I doubt the European taxpayers would look to kindly on Airbus dumping billions of Euros into a foreign acquisition at the same time they are cutting workforce and asking for government assistance.

[FlightDetent]

I doubt the European taxpayers would look to kindly on Airbus dumping billions of Euros into a foreign acquisition at the same time they are cutting workforce and asking for government assistance. I am sourly afraid you overestimate the lucidity of the average EU taxpayer, as well as the means any set of citizens - who are constrained by voting within their national entities - may have on forming the top-level polices. Let alone holding accountable those who make them. [/rant

[Ejector]

Noted earlier in Boeing news that the proposed takeover the Brazilian firm has fallen through

$4.2 billion proposed takeover deal between the two fell apart over the weekend. (https://www.forexlive.com/news/!/boeing-says-it-will-resume-787-operations-in-south-carolina-on-may-3-4-20200427)

UBS have noted that China may be interested in buying up Embraer's commercial planes

"We believe China still aspires to a global aerospace leadership position and, in our view, (Embraer) would bring both the talent for design and development."

(via Reuters)

[neilki]

The old saying "The proof is in the paint" :(
https://www.airliners.net/photo/Alaska-Airlines-SkyWest-Airlines/Embraer-175LR-ERJ-170-200LR/5445073


I wouldn't say that producing a new type aimed at the US commuter market which does not meet the US scope agreements so none of them will order it is the height of marketing acumen.

Thats a SkyWest 175.....

[WHBM]

Thats a SkyWest 175.....
Um ... what do the big letters on the side say ?

[ATC Watcher]

Um ... what do the big letters on the side say ?
It is like with all things, it is the small letters at the bottom that counts :rolleyes:..and it is SkyWest.. read the legend of the photo. the paint on the hull is not ownership

[DaveReidUK]

It is like with all things, it is the small letters at the bottom that counts :rolleyes:..and it is SkyWest.. read the legend of the photo. the paint on the hull is not ownership

Quite so.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/344x452/n181sy_79b5984aaa989af408ceb657dbf17ace5c4d0ca2.jpg

[atakacs]

We believe China still aspires to a global aerospace leadership position and, in our view, (Embraer) would bring both the talent for design and development

That would be the logical move, but I don't see Boeing (aka the US government, for all intent ad purpose the same thing at this point) let it happen. They will apply the "right" amount of pressure on Brasil.

[Less Hair]

Could Brasil afford to finally give away what they have created over tens of years for billions? I think Embraer should cooperate with other guys, Japan, Korea and such. Maybe Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey.

[turbidus]

The best bet for Airbus would be to swoop in and buy a bunch of the options out there...It would prevent a sale to COMAC.

As we have seen in the press, Boeing is reducing their workforce with early outs...they were doing this in anticipation of moving Engineering offshore...consolidating 787 production in SC, and shutting down the 747 line in Evertt, and moving the 737 Renton line to Everett (a much better location)
Now, what will they do for engineering, everyone with experience is gone....

[tdracer]

Thats a SkyWest 175.....
Yes, but it just as easily could have said Horizon.
Given that Horizon is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, I think it would be accurate to say that a Horizon E-175 can be considered to be owned by Alaska.

[neilki]

Yes, but it just as easily could have said Horizon.
Given that Horizon is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, I think it would be accurate to say that a Horizon E-175 can be considered to be owned by Alaska.
The article states "Alaska Airlines, for example, flies the 76-seat E-175"- While you could argue the layman wouldn't take exception to this, there's much confusion, especially in Europe over scope, and why the US airline industry breaks down around the 76 seater.
This is a distinction that may become very important in the comming months as 'United" retire their CR 200's for example...

[tdracer]

The article states "Alaska Airlines, for example, flies the 76-seat E-175"- While you could argue the layman wouldn't take exception to this, there's much confusion, especially in Europe over scope, and why the US airline industry breaks down around the 76 seater.
This is a distinction that may become very important in the comming months as 'United" retire their CR 200's for example...
What distinction? A wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska flies the E-175. How can you possibly claim that a wholly owned subsidiary is not part of Alaska?

[HarryMann]

Not just that. The US taxpayer would also have to spend money to save what is now Embraer...
As for the repercussions of cancelling the deal: when has the US ever complied with international law when it was not in their own interest? Especially with the current president...

With any President...

[West Coast]

It is like with all things, it is the small letters at the bottom that counts :rolleyes:..and it is SkyWest.. read the legend of the photo. the paint on the hull is not ownership

No it doesn’t. Any number of mainline aircraft are owned by leasing companies and banks.

[West Coast]

So after Bombardier Boeing burns bridges with Embraer too?

What is Bombardier Boeing?

[cappt]

So after Bombardier, Boeing burns bridges with Embraer too?
Fixed it for you.
After a failed buy in attempt Boeing sued Bombardier, now they pulled out of a deal with Embraer.

[Less Hair]

This. Thanks.