Tanker
Britain, France Cite US Protectionism As Reason For EADS Tanker Withdrawl
The AP (3/15) reports French and British leaders "accused the US of protectionism" following the withdrawal of EADS's bid for the $35 billion USAF refueling tanker contract. French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who believed the Pentagon favored American bidder Boeing, stated "This is not the right way for the United States to treat its European allies." British Prime Minister Gordon Brown echoed Sarkozy's sentiments, saying, "We believe in free trade, we believe in open markets, we believe in open competition." EADS and its partners won the contract in 2008, but it was overturned due to a Boeing protest. EADS's withdrawal also leaves Boeing as the only bidder for the contract order. The comments come weeks before talks on "thorny issue of hedge fund and private equity fund regulation" are set to take place among the US, Britain, and EU.
