The submission of this joint proposal follows the decision "that the GJU could not select a preferred bidder as the two bids were too close to separate, considering their quality and complementary options".

Both consortia believe that the sole way to ensure a "best value for money" approach for the public sector is to merge their respective resources and experience and to combine their complementary commercial approaches to the Galileo implementation.

This joint proposal enables significant improvement in the benefits for the public sector and will mean that the momentum for an overall on-time delivery of the project will be maintained.

The merger of the two consortia will significantly reduce the contributions of European taxpayers. Moreover, the market perspective for the European downstream industries is excellent with the potential creation of thousands of jobs throughout Europe.

Today's joint proposal of the two European consortia marks a milestone in the development of one of Europe's biggest common projects. Both consortia are expecting that this joint proposal will allow the GJU to effectively approve their merger, with a view towards entering into the next phase.

It is based on the successful competitive process carried out by the Galileo Joint Undertaking, started in 2003. Therefore, Eurely and iNavSat are confident that the synergies resulting from the common offer will be recognised as the best solution for Europe and its citizens.

Both Eurely and iNavSat are jointly ready to proceed with the final Concession Contract negotiations, which will formalise the Galileo Public Private Partnership by the end of this year.

The founding members of Eurely and iNavsat are: AENA, Alcatel, EADS, Finmeccanica, Hispasat, Inmarsat, and Thales.

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