MDA shifts ownership to new US-based operating firm

MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates has restructured, shifting control to SSL MDA Holdings Inc — a Delaware registered, San Francisco-based operating company. The move circumvents the Investment Canada Act that was used in 2008 to stop MDA from selling its space assets to Alliant Techsystems (R$, March 27/08). Transport minister Marc Garneau was one of the most vocal opponents of MDA's 2008 attempt to sell its space assets. US ownership is considered by MDA to be essential to better access the US market which is protected by domestic law to prevent sensitive US technology from falling under foreign control. MDA's remote sensing technology was developed over many years with generous support from the Canadian government...