Safran to merge with Zodiac Aerospace in a $10.6B takeover

Safran, an international high-technology group, and Zodiac Aerospacea global leader in Aerosafety, Aircraft systems, Seats and Cabins, announced that they have entered into exclusive negotiations for an acquisition of Zodiac Aerospace by Safran through an agreed public offer of €29.47 per share and a subsequent merger on the basis of 0.485 Safran shares for one Zodiac Aerospace share. Prior to and conditional upon the merger, Safran would distribute a special dividend of €5.50 per share to its existing shareholders. The merger is valued at €10 billion ($10.6 billion).

The transaction would create a global leader in aircraft equipment, allying the market leading positions, expertise, technologies and talents of both Safran and Zodiac Aerospace. The new entity would combine Safran’s capabilities in landing gear, wheels and brakes, nacelles, power systems, actuation and avionics, with Zodiac Aerospace’s leading positions in seats, cabin interiors, power distribution, lighting, fuel, oxygen and fluid systems and safety equipment.

In electrical systems, Zodiac Aerospace’s assets would reinforce Safran’s portfolio of technologies and position the group ideally for future developments towards the “more electrical aircraft”.

On a pro forma basis, including Safran’s world leading propulsion business, the combined group would have around 92,000 employees (of which more than 45,000 in France), €21.2 billion ($22.5 billion) in adjusted revenues and €2.7 billion ($2.8 billion) in adjusted recurring operating income. On this basis the combined group would form the third largest player worldwide in the aerospace sector. The combined group would become the second largest player worldwide in aircraft equipment with pro forma revenues in these businesses o