Rockwell Collins completes simulation buy
acquisition Rockwell Collins has completed its $71.5 million acquisition of the simulation assets of military and commercial visual systems specialist Evans & Sutherland. As part of the deal, 200 E&S employees will join Rockwell Collins, which says the acquisition broadens its simulation and training product portfolio in the commercial and military sectors and gives it the “hardware and software to create highly realistic visual images for simulation, training, engineering and other applications”.
Arianespace to step up launches
Space Arianespace could consider up to eight Ariane 5 launches in 2008, according to chief executive Jean-Yves Le Gall. This could boost the space transportation company’s turnover by between 10-15%, he adds. The company expects to carry out six Ariane 5 launches, and three Soyuz launches, in 2006 and 2007. The company’s first Vega launch is expected to take place in 2008, subject to the confirmation of development plans, and give a “fairly small” boost to Arianespace’s turnover. Arianespace says it has the largest order book in the launch services industry, with 41 satellites to be launched by Arianespace and five by Starsem. “We are back on track,” Le Gall says. “Our 2003 business plan was based on assumptions for 2004, 2005 and 2006 - today they are becoming a reality and it is very pleasant.”
Heico boosts parts presence with Arger
acquisition US-based Heico is expanding its parts distribution portfolio through the acquisition of commercial aircraft parts designer and distributor Arger Enterprises from Melrose for an undisclosed cash sum. August Henningsen, chairman and chief executive of Lufthansa Technik, which owns 20% of Heico Aerospace Holdings, says Arger’s products will “fit well” with Heico’s portfolio. Laurans Mendelson, chairman, president and chief executive of Heico, points to “excellent synergies between Arger and Heico’s existing parts and distribution businesses”.
Exostar looks to surpass $30b in 2006
growth Aerospace e-procurement exchange Exostar last year broke the $20 billion transaction value mark across its business network, and expects to surpass $30 billion in 2006. The company – which offers online services covering sourcing, collaboration and procurement for buyers and suppliers – managed the exchange of $23 billion in goods and services in 2005, a 130% increase over the previous year. Some 25% of its revenue was derived from supply chain and secure identity management, including Exostar’s contract to enable the multi-tier supply chain strategy for Boeing’s 787 programme. “We expect both the transaction count and the value of goods to continue to increase [in 2006],” says vice president of strategy and business development Peter Scott.
SBAC boosts defence representation appointment UK industry association the Society of British Aerospace Companies has appointed Thales UK’s vice chairman John Howe as chair of its aerospace, defence and homeland security board. Andrew White, Serco Defence and Aerospace chief executive will be vice chair. Following the publication of the government’s Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) last December, the board’s key responsibility is to push the industry’s agenda in discussions with the government during the implementation phase, the SBAC says. The board also pools industry views on key issues and presents them to the Defence Industries Council and the UK- government’s National Defence Industries Council.
Source: Flight International
