Russia might buy 10% of EADS, 'maybe more,' says Putin

The Russian government of President Vladimir Putin wants a bigger piece of EADS, and hopes to build ownership in the company through reciprocal stakes for EADS in Russian state-owned enterprises.

"Putin, on a two-day visit to meet German political and business leaders, told German daily Zuddeutsche Zeitung in an interview that the country’s newly formed Unified Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is objectively interested in building closer production ties with EADS through cross-ownership," FlightGlobal.com reports.

"Noting the recent purchase of a 5% stake in EADS by state-controlled Vneshtorgbank, he says: 'I personally believe that Russia could in time increase its stake up to 10%, maybe more.'"