French aerospace company Zodiac is pushing ahead with its strategy of gaining leading positions in niche technology markets and strengthening its presence in the USA with the acquisition of on-board oxygen systems specialist Scott Aviation for "approximately" €60 million ($73 million) from its US parent company Tyco International.
Lancaster, New York-based Scott Aviation forecasts 2004 sales of $65 million and has 350 employees in the USA. The company makes and distributes products for the civil and military aviation markets, including chemical systems, generators, regulators and masks for crews and passengers. Scott Aviation also has a large after-sales market.
This is Zodiac's sixth acquisition in 2003-4, although not all have been within the aeronautical sector.
Source: Flight International