L-3 Communications has agreed to acquire Bombardier's Military
Aviation Services business for $90 million. The deal is expected
to close in the third quarter of this year. L-3, one of the U.S.
defense industry's leading 'consolidators' has grown rapidly by
acquiring divisions from larger contractors, including the former
E-Systems aircraft modification business, which it bought from
Raytheon. The Bombardier business, which also focuses on military
aircraft support and modernization, complements and expands this
activity. It provides systems engineering and support for Canada's
CF-18 fighters and is involved in the Bell Griffon and Joint Strike
Fighter programs. L-3 expects the deal to improve its ability
to offer upgraded military aircraft and special-mission versions
of commercial airplanes.
