06/01/2010 11h57

Odebrecht enters into agreement with EADS to create company dedicated to the military area

O Estado de S. Paulo

The project of Odebrecht to largely operate in the domestic and international markets of military services and equipment has advanced considerably: yesterday, the Brazilian and European Group EADS DS - Defence & Security, headquartered in Germany, announced in Munich the creation of a joint venture intended to operate with the Armed Forces, national Governments and industries, besides contemplating the export market.

The new company will be installed in São Paulo. It is an agreement between Giants - Odebrecht is one of the three largest corporate groups in the country and EADS DS is the second largest world corporation in the field of defense, products and services - the company is part of the EADS group, which controls the aircraft manufacturer Airbus. According to the superintendent of Odebrecht Industrial, Roberto Simões, "EADS DS is a partner with broad interest in transfer of advanced technology". For the Minister of Defense, Nelson Jobim, "the agreement shows the domestic industry is ready to be a global actor - in fact, as we professed in the National Strategy of Defense".

The first area of joint operation will be in the field of systems integration. Simões stressed out the capabilities of Odebrecht in geopolitical projection, international marketing and major commercial actions. "With an eye on the future, it is also an export platform", he said, recalling EADS intends to have strong operation outside Europe until 2020. The value of the investment and the shape of the new brand will be defined until July 15. The President of EADS DS, Stefan Zoller, affirmed the deal "is the proof of our commitment to Brazil".