Safran completes acquisition of Collins Aerospace flight control and actuation business

Safran has acquired Collins Aerospace's flight control and actuation business for £1.8 billion, gaining approximately 4,000 employees and technologies used on 180 aircraft platforms, with plans to integrate the operations into Safran Electronics & Defense on 1 August.
The acquisition expands Safran's capabilities in hydraulic and mechanical actuation systems, complementing its existing electro-mechanical expertise to support next-generation, more-electric aircraft and advance decarbonization efforts across commercial, military, and helicopter markets.
The deal is expected to generate £50 million in annual cost synergies by 2028, increase earnings per share starting in year one, and was completed alongside the divestiture of Safran's North American actuation unit to Woodward, Inc., headquartered in Fort Collins, Colo.

PARIS - Safran in Paris has finalized the £1.8 billion acquisition of Collins Aerospace's flight control and actuation business. Collins, an RTX business in Charlotte, N.C., announced that Safran would be acquiring [1] its high-technology actuation and flight control activities business in 2023. Collins' portfolio includes advanced hydraulic and mechanical actuation systems used to control aircraft surfaces such as flaps, slats, ailerons, rudders, elevators, and horizontal stabilizers. These systems are integral to aircraft performance, stability, and safety.

Collins has supplied actuation solutions for a wide range of platforms, from large commercial [2] jets to military fighters and helicopters. Its technologies include high-power hydraulic actuators, servo controls, integrated drive modules, and electromechanical systems capable of precise and reliable operation under extreme flight conditions. Safran [3] plans to integrate these technologies with its own electro-mechanical actuation and flight control expertise to support next-generation aircraft, which are expected to feature more electric systems and more modular, efficient architectures.

Officials say the combined capabilities will help meet the aviation sector's decarbonization goals. European regulators certify Safran's electric motor [4] "This acquisition offers a unique opportunity to solidify our position in mission-critical flight control and actuation functions and create a global leader in this domain," said Olivier Andries, CEO of Safran. "It will enable us to deliver a comprehensive offering to our customers and position us extremely well for next-generation aircraft."

Commercial and military

Safran says that the acquisition strengthens its capabilities across commercial, military, and rotary-wing aviation.

The acquisition also enhances Safran's presence in the helicopter and nacelle actuation markets, reinforcing its offerings for military aircraft and missile systems.

Safran expects to realize approximately £50 million in annual pre-tax cost synergies by 2028, with an immediate positive impact on earnings per share.

To comply with regulatory requirements, Safran has simultaneously sold its North American electro-mechanical actuation business to Woodward, Inc. in Fort Collins, Colo.

References

^ Safran would be acquiring (www.militaryaerospace.com)
^ commercial (www.militaryaerospace.com)
^ Safran (www.militaryaerospace.com)
^ European regulators certify Safran's electric motor (www.militaryaerospace.com)