The UK's Smiths Industries has agreed to buy the US aerospace arm of UK industrial group Invensys, formed last year from the merger of engineering groups BTR and Seibe. The $175 million deal strengthens Smiths' position in supplying integrated systems for civil and military aircraft, and includes environmental control systems specialist Barber-Colman Aerospace. Continental Airlines has acquired a minority stake in Florida-based regional Gulfstream International Airlines. The Beechcraft 1900 operator, a Continental Connection carrier, gives the US major better access to Florida and the Caribbean. Howmet International of the USA is to acquire Komatsu of Japan's 19% stake in their Komatsu-Howmet aero-engine castings joint venture, giving it full ownership. UK ground-handling specialist Servisair is expanding into the USA with the purchase of Cleveland-based Global Group and Aviation Group's Tri-Star Airline Services of Dallas/Fort Worth. Canada's Spar Aerospace is to retain its focus on avionics upgrades and aircraft maintenance, after a review ruled out strategic alternatives. US engineering company Crane has sold its defence systems business to Gulf Coast Holdings, saying it did not fit with its core engineered product business in aerospace and other markets. Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) has acquired fellow-US company and overhaul specialist Mattituck Aviation. A new unit, Teledyne Mattituck Services, will continue to offer engine overhaul products, while becoming an installation centre for TCM's new full-authority-digital engine control system products. DeCrane Aircraft Holdings of California has bought Infinity Partners of Texas, a supplier of corporate aircraft interiors to Bombardier. Electronic systems specialists EDO and AIL Technologies, both of New York, are to merge, creating an integrated defence and aerospace technology company.
Source: Flight International
