Samsung, Fokker Explore Acquisition

Debt-ridden Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker NV confirmed today it is holding talks with Korea’s Samsung Group.

Fokker spokesman John Widen, responding to a newspaper report, said Samsung has expressed interest in making a bid for or forming an alliance with the Dutch company.

He declined to say whether Samsung is interested in acquiring all or parts of the company.

In reaction to the news, Fokker shares on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange climbed 42 cents from Friday’s close, to stand at $2.34 at midday.

Fokker has been scrambling for foreign help after controlling shareholder, Germany’s DaimlerBenz AG, said last week it would not give any more money to the company.

Last week, the Dutch government announced it would give Fokker a $153 million credit note and $66 million as a down payment on planes already ordered by the military. The money will enable Fokker to stay alive for at least a month, giving it time to search for a foreign partner.

Analysts say they doubt any single company will take on Fokker’s $1.8 billion debt.