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The Old Europe We Knew?
"I don't know where Europe is headed, but I don't think it's for more cooperation with the U.S."
So says Frank Lanza, chairman and CEO of the $6.5 billion L-3 Communications. As Europe becomes more united politically, Lanza says it has become more fragmented as a market. "The old Europe as we knew it just isn't there any more."
With EADS, Thales and BAE Systems all flexing their technological muscles it is tougher for U.S. companies. "The British, German markets are no longer of the magnitude they were to us," Lanza notes. In contrast "Eastern Europe, which used to be our enemy, is now part of NATO and open to us."
Technology transfer is a particularly thorny issue—both ways. "You may say the U.S. has tough export licensing laws, but look at some of the countries customers of U.S. companies have supplied," Lanza says. On the other hand, licensing problems in France are delaying export to the U.S. of know-how for smart weapons guidance systems under a partnership with Sagem.
L-3 has a U.S. joint venture with Thales (ACSS), good relations with Finmeccanica and is still working with BAE Systems, Lanza notes. "We haven't had much success with EADS but we're still trying." L-3 Communications is in Hall 4, Stand A12 and Chalet A16-18.
—John Morris
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