EADS confirmed that its French and German stakeholders were discussing potential changes to the shareholding structure and corporate governance at the European aerospace and defence group. The company said it was taking an active role in the discussions, which it said were intended to "preserve and enhance" the interests of all stakeholders.

People familiar with the matter said on Sunday that France and Germany appeared to be very close to agreeing a new shareholder structure after talks over the weekend.

One person briefed on the Paris talks said they focused on capping state shareholdings in EADS at 30 percent, giving France and Germany voting shares of 12 percent each and Spain a voting share of 4 percent inside a core state shareholder group.

Copyright Reuters, 2012