The Thales Board of Directors approved Friday the decision to exercise Thales' option to raise its stake in DCNS from 25% to 35%.

The move enables DCNS and Thales to further consolidate their industrial partnership.

This increase follows the strategic agreement between the two groups in 2007.

The DCNS group is delighted with Thales's decision which recognises the high quality of work by DCNS's teams since 2007.

It also reflects Thales' confidence in DCNS' development prospects in naval defence and energy markets.

This increase follows the strategic agreement between the two groups in 2007.