United Technologies is to acquire composite components overhaul specialist Cade Industries for $129 million and engine parts supplier Dallas Aerospace for $57 million. Both companies will become part of UTC's Pratt & Whitney Engine Services unit. Dallas Aerospace is owned by the parent company of Fairchild Fasteners. Derlan Industries is to buy the assets of Illinois-based Boeing Precision Gear, which manufactures transmissions for the AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook helicopters and drive systems for the F-22 Raptor. Toronto-based Derlan will also sell its aerospace components operation D-Velco Manufacturing of Arizona as it focuses on the gear and transmissions market. British Aerospace Australia is to buy Australia's Hunter Aerospace, one of its major subcontractors on the Royal Australian Air Force's Hawk Lead in Fighter Trainer project, for an undisclosed sum. Wyman-Gordon has agreed to sell certain investment casting operations to win US Federal Trade Commission approval of its take-over by Precision Castparts, with one unidentified buyer already found. Its titanium castings operation will be held separately until sold. The takeover of Swiss fixed-base operator Zimex Aviation by charter operator Lions Air has been abandoned after the two failed to agree a future strategy. New owners led by general manager Dieter Weber, formerly of Air BP, will instead run the group, with previous owner Hannes Ziegler remaining involved. US aerospace components specialist Esterline Technologies has completed the $20.9 million acquisition of UK-based Muirhead Vactric and Norcraft Dynamics from the Silvermines Group, incorporating them in its European sensors subsidiary Auxitrol. Early warning and reconnaissance specialist Sensytech has dropped plans to buy the SciComm defence electronics business of Andrew Corporation.
Source: Flight International
