: On 24 September, British military equipment maker Alvis Vehicle was given the green light on the $25.28 million package takeover plans the armored vehicle and military bridging business of Vickers Defense Systems (Vickers Engineering). The move will add the Challenger Main Battle Tank to the existing Alvis range, which includes brands such as Warrior tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) and Piranha Light Armored Vehicle (LAV). The takeover is expected to be completed by the end of the week. This deal could increase the potential of export orders, but may also lead to dozens of job losses when the two management teams merge. Alvis Vehicles and GKN Defence merged in November 1998.

Back in June, a senior defense source with knowledge of the negotiations told Janes that the "advantages of bringing the two companies together offer real synergy: Vickers technology, engineering and support with Alvis light vehicle and technology insertion expertise. It would amortize research and development spending." It would also allow the remaining British armored vehicle industrial capacity to close ranks against European competitors for a better share of a potential lucrative market in lighter 21st century systems. - Adam Geibel
Alvis online at http://www.alvis.plc.uk/product/product_main.htm