Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications expects to complete its merger with Comsat early in the third quarter, after the US Congress approved satellite communications reform legislation that clears the way for the privatisation of the Intelsat and Inmarsat satellite networks. The legislation allows US customers to bypass Comsat, which controls access to the networks. US cabin and cargo equipment maintenance specialist Airbase Services is to merge with passenger-seat repairer Aircraft Interior Refurbishment of the UK. Airfield handling and fuelling firm ASIG of Florida is to acquire London Heathrow-based baggage tracing firm Aviation Consultancy Services. TRACE Worldwide (TW), parent of TRACE Aircraft Completions, and Air Group Aviation (AGA) are to form a completions business, with TW's London Biggin Hill completion centre and AGA's Tyler, Texas, facility to be merged. AGA has taken a stake in the Biggin Hill business, with the merger to be completed by the second quarter. Landmark Communications has completed the $120 million acquisition of weather data provider Weather Services International (WSI) from Litton Industries. Multimedia company Landmark owns The Weather Channel, and other broadcasting and newspaper interests. Anaren Microwave has acquired RF Power Components, a manufacturer of power resistors and attenuators, in a three-for-two stock split. Both firms are New York-based, with the sale strengthening Anaren's microwave component line, serving the wireless and satellite communications and defence-electronics markets. US maintenance provider American Aircarriers Support has taken a stake in IT "e-procurement" specialist SupplyAccess via its new subsidiary, AAS Technologies. Mönchengladbach, Germany-based carrier European Air Express has confirmed the acquisition of Filder Air Service. Filder operates four turboprops and runs a maintenance operation.
Source: Flight International
