SAFRAN IN THRUST FOR ROCKET LEADERSHIP
In a move "designed to create a world leader in solid rocket propulsion", Safran's Snecma Propulsion Solide subsidiary is to acquire SNPE Matériaux Energétiques (SME) and its subsidiaries for an undisclosed cash sum. The combined solid propulsion business consolidated within Safran would include nearly 3,000 employees, a research and development unit with over 600 scientists and engineers, and annual revenues estimated at more than €650 million ($900 million) in 2011, including €270 million from SME.
B/E TO ACQUIRE POWER MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Interiors maker B/E Aerospace is to acquire power management systems maker TSI Group from Washington DC-based private equity investor Arlington Capital Partners for $310 million in cash. Arlington, which first bought into TSI in 2005, calls the sale part of its "highly targeted buy-and-build strategy".
ASTRIUM TO BUY ATV SYSTEMS MAKER
EADS's Astrium space unit is to acquire German space sensors and optical systems specialist Jena-Optronik, whose products include the laser guidance system for European Space Agency Automated Transfer Vehicle robotic supply ships servicing the International Space Station.
MONTENEGRO OFFERS 30% STAKE IN FLAG CARRIER
Montenegro has launched a tender to bid for a 30% stake in eight-aircraft Montenegro Airlines, putting a nominal value of €25.7 million ($34.9 million) on the flag carrier, according to local reports. Potential bidders must have at least five years' experience in the airline industry and operate at least a 10-aircraft fleet.
AVIATION MOVES LISTING TO MAIN LONDON MARKET
Aviation Aircraft Leasing has moved its shares from the PLUS market to the main market of the London Stock Exchange "to enhance liquidity and better reflect the value of the company".
ZODIAC CLOSES SELL BUY
Zodiac Aerospace has finalised its purchase, for an undisclosed sum, of €179 million ($224 million)-turnover German galley maker Sell. The takeover comes two years after Sell ran into supply problems as it struggled to cope with increased demand, resulting in delays to Boeing 777 deliveries.
UAC AND ANTONOV FINALISE MARKETING PACT
After months of negotiation, Ukraine's Antonov and Russia's United Aircraft have finalised an agreement to set up a 50-50 joint marketing and after-sales support venture to handle Antonov types, including the An-148, An-140, An-70 and An-74.
RUSSIANS, FRENCH HOME IN ON LASER VENTURE
Russia's Ramenskoye Instrument Building Design Bureau (RIBDB) and France's Sagem plan to set up a joint venture to produce laser inertial navigation systems for new and upgraded aircraft, including Russian helicopters supplied to India and Sukhoi jets.
RAYTHEON EXPANDS CYBERSECURITY OPERATION
Raytheon has boosted its cybersecurity business by acquiring, for an undisclosed sum, Virginia-headquartered Technology Associates, a privately held company that delivers full life-cycle computer engineering to the US intelligence community.
Source: Flight International
