EADS eyes Vector Aerospace

EADS on Thursday said that it was in exclusive talks to purchase Vector Aerospace, a Canadian company that repairs and maintains civil and military helicopters. The move comes as EADS is attempting to revive hopes of expanding its footprint in North America through a mix of organic growth and deals following its loss last month to Boeing of the $35 billion Air Force aerial tanker project. (Source: Financial Times, 03/24/11) Gulf Coast note: Vector Aerospace has an operation at the South Alabama Regional Airport in Andalusia, Ala., which opened in 2008. EADS has a helicopter production facility in Columbus, Miss., and two operations in Mobile, Ala.