The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on Friday that it has cleared Boeing’s planned acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems.
The decision comes after the regulator opted against launching an in-depth “phase 2” investigation into potential anti-competitive consequences.
The clearance marks an important milestone for Boeing as it seeks to strengthen its manufacturing pipeline and rebuild investor confidence.
Positive Market Reaction to Regulatory News
Following the announcement, Boeing shares rose 0.8% during morning trading.
Investors were reassured by the CMA’s decision, especially given the recent turbulence surrounding Boeing’s operations, workforce morale, and financial stability.
Boeing responded positively to the development.
“We’re pleased with the outcome and continue to work through the remaining regulatory processes,” the company said in a statement.
Spirit AeroSystems, the world’s largest standalone aerostructures company, also issued a response through spokesperson Joe Buccino, confirming that the deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Further Approvals Still Required
While the UK’s approval removes one significant hurdle, the transaction must still receive clearance from the European Commission and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
The CMA has not yet released the full text of its findings, but indicated that its initial investigation, launched in June, provided no justification for moving to the next regulatory phase.
The deadline for the CMA’s review had been set for August 28.
Boeing Reacquires Key Supplier
The acquisition represents a strategic reversal for Boeing, which had spun off Spirit nearly two decades ago.
The two companies have remained tightly linked, with Spirit supplying critical components such as fuselage sections for Boeing’s aircraft.
The $4.7 billion all-stock deal is aimed at streamlining operations and addressing long-standing quality control challenges.
In July, Boeing also agreed to acquire Spirit’s operations in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from Airbus.
This followed an earlier deal finalized in April, in which Airbus took over several Spirit facilities that were tied to its aircraft programs.
Looking Ahead
The CMA’s green light provides momentum for Boeing as it seeks to finalize the deal before the end of the year.
The outcome of ongoing reviews by the U.S. and European regulators will be crucial in determining whether Boeing can fully integrate Spirit’s operations and move toward stabilizing its supply chain and production lines.
If approved, the transaction will bring Spirit AeroSystems back under Boeing’s direct control—potentially reshaping the aerospace supplier landscape.