Lockmart / Boeing alliance not yet approved...

[n_kitson]

Some good news from today's WSJ:<br /><br /><font color="yellow"><br />FTC Poised to Postpone Ruling<br />On Boeing, Lockheed Venture<br /><br />By ANDY PASZTOR and JONATHAN KARP <br />Staff Reporters of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL<br />October 24, 2005<br /><br />For the second time in two months, Pentagon concerns have prompted antitrust officials to withhold swift approval for a proposed combination of Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp. government rocket programs, according to people familiar with the situation.<br /><br />Taking its cue from the Pentagon, these people say, the Federal Trade Commission today is expected to allow a 30-day deadline to lapse once again without giving the green light for creation of the venture. Boeing and Lockheed said last May that they planned to combine their rocket businesses in an effort to stem their losses and save taxpayers the expense of supporting two separate systems for launching military, spy, weather and research satellites.<br /><br />The companies say they remain committed to the concept, which they estimate could eventually save the government as much as $150 million annually. Many industry and military officials believe that the deal is likely to win government approval eventually, despite the current uncertainty and apparent policy gridlock inside the Pentagon.<br /><br />Boeing and Lockheed said they are working with the government to answer questions, but declined to elaborate. A spokeswoman for the Pentagon, which has put off some big purchasing decisions partly as a result of acquisitions scandals involving Boeing, said it was "premature" to comment on the rocket proposal. The FTC doesn't comment on its reviews.<br /><br />The latest development indicates that the contractors are struggling to convince federal officials about the long-term benefits of the proposal and face a tougher-than-expected fight inside the Pentagon. Other companies within the industry increasingly have voiced concern or opposition.<br /><br />Since the Air For</font>