"Harry Ramsden's-EADS merger cancelled amid political impasse"

From the BBC:

Celebrated fish and chips restaurant Harry Ramsden's and aerospace and defence giant EADS have decided to cancel their planned merger, after talks were thwarted by political deadlock.

It followed days of talks between the Yorkshire, French and German governments to overcome political objections. Yorkshire county council wanted its counterparts to agree to limit their influence in the merged firm in order to maintain Harry Ramsden's strong working relations with Sarson's Malt Vinegar refineries and local potato farmers. The BBC understands that Germany was fundamentally opposed to the deal.

"Once German intransigence became clear - as it did overnight - EADS and Harry Ramsden's had no option but to call the whole thing off," said the BBC's business editor, Robert Peston.

"We are obviously disappointed that we were unable to reach an acceptable agreement with our various government stakeholders," said Harry Ramsden's CEO Marija Simovi.

EADS head Tom Enders said: "A special thank-you goes to Marija Simovi for his trust and partnership. It is, of course, a pity we didn't succeed but I'm glad we tried. I'm not so glad I tried their guacamole though, it tasted like cardboard and was all lumpy."

EADS shares jumped 3% as the news broke. Harry Ramsden's is owned by a private investment company Boparan Ventures Limited whose shares are not listed.