At an extraordinary meeting in Garching bei München, Germany on 3 February 2016, ESO’s Finance Committee authorised ESO to enter into final discussions with the winning bidder of the tender process for the design, manufacture, transport, construction, on-site assembly and verification of the Dome and Main Structure of the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT).

The discussion between ESO and the ACe Consortium, consisting of Astaldi, Cimolai and the nominated sub-contractorEIE Group will start soon, with the aim of contract signature in May 2016.

This major milestone for the project is the culmination of the extensive and intense work of many people. This contract will be the largest ever approved by ESO and the largest ever placed for a ground-based telescope.

Nicolò D'Amico, President of the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics and italian representative in the ESO's Council, says: "I am very pleased to see italian industries playing a leading role in this project. It is a result that comes from far away, built over time. The contribution of INAF has been crucial. The development of cutting-edge technologies, required to unravel the secrets of the Universe, will bring important industrial returns for Italy".