PARIS (Reuters) - French President Francois Hollande said on Thursday that aircraft engine maker Safran's (>> SAFRAN) bid for jet interiors supplier Zodiac (>> Zodiac Aerospace) would strengthen the country's aerospace industry.
"The President of the Republic welcomes this fine industrial deal which will strengthen the French aeronautics industry," Hollande said in a statement issued by his office.
Safran has launched a $9 billion agreed bid for seats manufacturer Zodiac Aerospace ZODC.PA to create the world's third-largest aerospace supplier as the industry bulks up to tackle record high output plans.
(Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Bate Felix)