04 Oct 2012By Angela Monaghan - telegraph.co.uk
BAE Systems chief executive Ian King is in line for £18m if the company's controversial merger with aerospace giant EADS goes ahead, according to reports.
The head of the British defence group would stand to gain the sum because of share options which would be triggered should the combination be sealed.
The two companies are in the process of thrashing out the terms of a proposed £30bn deal which would create a European defence and aerospace powerhouse to rival America's Boeing.
However, there are many potential pitfalls before a deal can be agreed, not least because the British, French, German and US governments all have to agree terms.
All governments are keen to protect national security interests and jobs within their own countries.
BAE and EADS have a deadline of October 10 to make formal proposals for a tie-up or walk away.
However, they may seek an extension to that deadline.
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