Eurocopter Acquires Japanese Firm

Eurocopter last month announced the acquisition of 80 percent of the shares in Japan-based distributor Euroheli, bringing the helicopter manufacturer’s stake to 90 percent. The organization has subsequently been merged with subsidiary Eurocopter Japan. Itochu, the former majority shareholder, keeps 10 percent of the company’s shares. Stéphane Ginoux, CEO of Eurocopter Japan, retains that position at Euroheli. With some 60 employees locally, Eurocopter becomes “the first foreign aircraft manufacturer in Japan to carry out direct sales and customer support activities.” The French-based helicopter manufacturer claims a market share of 57 percent in the civil and parapublic sectors in Japan, with a fleet of 360 helicopters.