posted 09-08-2015 07:31 PM               

The two sides are in advanced talks about what one [source] described as an all-cash offer. The deal hasn't been completed and could still be derailed by a last-minute glitch, [sources] cautioned. But one of them said an announcement could come as early as the first part of next week.

posted 09-11-2015 07:32 AM               

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc.'s bid for United Launch Alliance LLC, the joint venture, faces a situation in which Lockheed Martin's executive suite seems more eager to negotiate a sale as part of a broader, companywide portfolio restructuring, these people said. On the other hand, Boeing's leadership is more inclined to hang on to its stake, the people said.

...for Boeing, the decision is further complicated by the prospect of picking up some new business to manufacture hardware for United Launch's proposed Vulcan family of boosters. The joint venture has broached the possibility of such orders with Boeing space officials to try to fend off the bid, according to one industry veteran familiar with the details.

In an email Thursday, Boeing said it remains "committed to [United Launch] and its business," which it described as "the most reliable and effective way to ensure access to space for a wide range of government customers."

Boeing also said it considers the venture among the "important and strategic elements in our portfolio."

posted 09-19-2015 09:42 AM               

"With regard to reports of an unsolicited proposal for ULA, it is not something we seriously entertained for a number of reasons," said Todd Blecher, a spokesperson for Boeing's defense and space division, in an email to Spaceflight Now. "Boeing is committed to ULA and its business, and to continued leadership in all aspects of space, as evidenced by the agreement announcement last week with Blue Origin."