Spirit AeroSystems to acquire select assets of Bombardier aerostructures, aftermarket businesses

 

 

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. (Wichita, Kan., U.S.) announced on Oct. 31 it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire select assets of Bombardier aerostructures and aftermarket services businesses in Belfast, Northern Ireland (known as Short Brothers); Casablanca, Morocco; and Dallas, United States, for cash consideration of $500 million.

The acquired Bombardier operations employ more than 4,000 people at three sites comprising approximately 3.4 million square feet. The backlog of work includes long-term contracts on the Airbus A220 and A320neo, along with Bombardier business and regional jets.

In aerostructures and fabrication, the acquired business is a global player, delivering composite and metallic wing components, nacelles, fuselages and tail assemblies, along with high-value mechanical assemblies made out of aluminum, titanium and steel. The acquired business also brings a world-class aftermarket business, which Spirit says more than doubles its more than doubles its global geographic reach.

In addition, Spirit AeroSystems will assume approximately $300 million in net pension liabilities, and approximately $290 million of government grant repayment obligations, for a total enterprise valuation of $1,090 million, which equals 10 times the 2019 estimated Adjusted EBITDA of the acquired business. At closing, Spirit AeroSystems will pay $500 million to Bombardier and will make a cash contribution of approximately $130 million towards the pension liability, for total cash at closing of $630 million.

“The Bombardier operations bring world-class engineering expertise to Spirit and add to a strong track record of innovation, especially in advanced composites,” says Tom Gentile, Spirit AeroSystems president and CEO. “Belfast has developed an impressive position in business jet fuselage production, in addition to the world-acclaimed fully integrated A220 composite wing. This acquisition is in line with our growth strategy of increasing Airbus content, developing low-cost country footprint, and growing our aftermarket business.” Gentile adds that the Spirit team is excited about the opportunity to expand its operations into Northern Ireland and Morocco. 

The expected revenues of the acquired Bombardier operations will be approximately $1 billion in 2019. The transaction, which is expected to close in the first half of 2020, is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Spirit AeroSystems expects to realize approximately $60 million in synergies from the acquisition, which values the acquisition on a post-synergy EV / EBITDA multiple of 6.5x.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as financial advisors to Spirit.