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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Esterline Finalizes Acquisition of Weston Aerospace; Expands Esterline's
Position in High-End Aerospace Sensors
BELLEVUE, Wash., June 11, 2003 – Esterline
Technologies today announced that it has finalized the acquisition of
UK-based Weston Group from The Roxboro Group Plc. The transaction, originally
announced May 22, significantly enhances Esterline’s position in
high-end aerospace sensors, making it a market leader to the world’s
jet engine manufacturers, and boosting its Sensors & Systems segment
sales by nearly 50%.
The Weston Group consists of Weston Aerospace,
Farnborough and Enfield, UK, Norwich Aero Products, Inc., Norwich, N.Y. and Pressure
Systems Inc., Hampton, Va. The four operations produce annualized revenue of
approximately $50 million and employ nearly 500 people. Weston is a leading supplier
of high-end sensors for large thrust jet engines, complementing Esterline’s
leading position in similar sensors for medium thrust jet engines; both companies
provide sensors for small jet engines.
Robert W. Cremin, Esterline CEO, said, “...Weston
is a first-class operation and a perfect fit with our long-standing and growing
position in high-end aerospace sensors. Sensor technology is a core strength
for Esterline and a niche we have been actively consolidating for many years.”
The $88 million transaction closed today and was
funded using a portion of the proceeds from the recently announced private placement
of 7.75% senior subordinated notes.
Esterline is a leading supplier of aircraft engine
temperature and pressure sensors to continental European customers including
CFM International, a Snecma/GE joint venture that produces the engine family
used on all Boeing 737s and more than 40% of all Airbus planes. Weston is the
leading supplier of temperature, fuel density and speed sensors to Rolls Royce
in the UK. In addition, both Esterline and Weston have a growing presence in
North America. Cremin said that he expects the "... combination of the two
companies will strengthen our position in all of these venues, especially when
the industry begins to pick up."
With the acquisition, Esterline employs nearly
5,000 people worldwide, with revenues from continuing operations now running
at an annualized rate of nearly $600 million. Approximately 40% of revenues are
from military related markets; 40% from commercial aerospace activity; and 20%
from industrial applications of its technologies.
This press release contains "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on
the current intent and expectations of the management of Esterline,
are not guarantees of future performance, and involve risks and uncertainties
that are difficult to predict. Esterline’s actual results and
the timing and outcome of events may differ materially from those
expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements due to
changes in aerospace/defense industry demand or because of current
uncertainties associated with telecommunications and computer markets
and other risks detailed in the company's public filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 25, 2002.
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