Airbus aware of Carmat's difficulties, mum on possible help

Carmat SA

27/09/2023 11:33

Sept 27 (Reuters) - Airbus  AIR.PA , the biggest
shareholder in French artificial heart maker Carmat  ALCAR.PA ,
said on Wednesday it was aware of Carmat's financial
difficulties but did not say whether it would support a possible
fundraising. 
    The world's largest planemaker holds a stake of more than
11% in Carmat and has invested around 50 million euros ($52.8
million) in the company, an Airbus spokesperson said in response
to Reuters questions.
    Carmat warned late Monday that supply issues meant it would
miss its full-year sales target and it could run out of cash by
the end of October, sending its shares down 27% on Tuesday.
    Airbus says its involvement in Carmat dates back to creation
of GIE Carmat in 1993 by Alain Carpentier and Matra Defense - a
company which was acquired by one of French predecessor
companies later merged into EADS predecessor Airbus.
    ($1 = 0.9471 euros)

 (Reporting by Michal Aleksandrowicz and Tim Hepher
Editing by Mark Potter)
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