DeCrane Aircraft Holdings comes to Atlanta as an expanded company with new subsidiaries, a new structure, and a new owner: multi-billion dollar New York merchant bankers Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ). DeCrane was acquired by DLJ last year for $172 million.

Corporate aviation now accounts for more than 40% of DeCrane's total sales and is a key element of the company's growth strategy. In the past year, the group has acquired PATS, Inc, which produces auxiliary fuel tanks and auxiliary power units, and two producers of interior furnishings.

In September, DeCrane said it was forming its ten subsidiary companies into three business groups. The Cabin Management Group includes companies which produce interior furniture and components, seats, lighting and inflight entertainment systems. The Specialty Avionics Group produces electrical components and LCD displays, and the Systems Integration Group comprises PATS and Hollingsead International, which designs, installs and certifies systems and avionics racks.

DeCrane, backed by DLJ, is expanding its research and development activities and is, increasingly, combining the expertise that exists within its different companies. DeCrane expects to add a number of new products by the year 2000, including 16g corporate jet seating and new inflight entertainment products.