Eurocopter is still talking to the Romanian privatization agency, AVAS, about taking over 65 percent of helicopter and light aircraft manufacturer IAR Ghimbav. The state-owned company is based in Brasov. AVAS rejected the helicopter manufacturer’s December bid, a decision Eurocopter challenged. In April AVAS said Eurocopter failed to meet some key criteria, including the commitment to invest. Last month AVAS decided to resume the privatization process. Eurocopter was the only bidder.

Since 2002, Eurocopter has had a sales and maintenance joint venture with IAR. In 2003 the manufacturer sought to have the Eurocopter Romania venture set up an assembly line for the EC 135 light twin.