UK Antitrust Regulator Clears Boeing’s $4.7 Billion Spirit AeroSystems Deal

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Boeing Co.’s proposed $4.7 billion all-stock purchase of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., concluding that the transaction does not warrant a more detailed Phase-2 antitrust investigation. The watchdog opened its review in June and had until 28 August to reach an initial finding, but said on 8 August that it would clear the deal at Phase 1. The regulator will publish its full reasoning shortly. Boeing agreed last year to buy back Spirit, the Wichita-based aerostructures maker it spun off nearly two decades ago, aiming to streamline production of key aircraft components. Both companies declined immediate comment on the CMA decision.