“Drs must grow significantly. The IPO serves to raise resources to finance the development of the company, to invest in its core business, without making the mistakes of the past”. This was stated by Leonardo's CEO, Mauro Moretti, during the conference call on 2016 results on the hypothesis of a placement to reduce the stake in DRS, currently equal to 100 per cent. "We will maintain 51%, this may be a limit, but for us it is a guarantee".
Moretti confirmed his strong interest in the development of ATR, also with the contribution of new partners. In recent months Leonardo has been carrying on talks with ATR's joint shareholder, Airbus, to increase the Italian stake in the joint venture, possibly offering shares in the joint venture in MBDA missiles in exchange. “We – Moretti said in a conference call – want to invest in ATR and implement its multi-purpose platform for use in the civil, cargo and tactical transport sectors. Of course, the Mbda option is also on the table. But, regardless of Mbda, we want to invest in the growth of ATR, also with the contribution of new partners who support us in tenders in various parts of the world".
The stock on the Stock Exchange recorded a peak of 7,8% in mid-morning and then reduced until the advantage was canceled after Wednesday's flare-up.
