EADS is open to talks about guaranteeing jobs in its planned merger with Britain’s BAE Systems, its chief executive said, seeking to win Germany’s support without it insisting on taking a stake, which could scupper a deal.

Pressure is mounting on EADS boss Tom Enders and his BAE counterpart Ian King who, under UK takeover rules, have until October 10 to say whether they will press on with talks to create the world’s biggest defense and aerospace firm.

A string of potential stumbling blocks have emerged since the plan was announced last month, including conflicting political interests in Britain, France and Germany, as well as some shareholders’ dissatisfaction with the terms of the deal.

A key obstacle is Germany’s demand that it maintain as much influence in the new group as France. That would entail Berlin buying a stake in EADS currently owned by carmaker Daimler (DAIGn.DE), possibly through the KfW state development bank.

Enders has insisted any state role must be kept to a minimum to ensure the new company remains competitive.

“I see no advantage for our country in buying a stake,” Enders, a German, told Bild daily on Thursday, adding it would cost taxpayers billions without guaranteeing special rights.

“On export markets, especially in the United States and Asia, we would be at a competitive disadvantage if we were to give the impression of being a company directed by governments,” he added.

However, Enders also tried to soothe fears that German jobs may be lost, saying he was open to offering some guarantees.