The European Commission granted clearance, on 4 June, to the acquisition of sole control by Pratt & Whitney of the US, ultimately controlled by United Technologies Corporation, over the joint venture International Aero Engines AG of Switzerland by purchasing all of Rolls-Royce plc shares in IAE. P&W is active in the design, manufacture and servicing of aircraft engines, industrial gas turbines and space propulsion. IAE is a joint venture whose principal activity involves the design, production and sale of engines used in large commercial narrow-body aircraft.