GE to Purchase Aviation Business of Avio S.p.A

GE will purchase the aviation business of Avio S.p.A., an Italy-based manufacturer of aviation propulsion components and systems for civil and military aircraft, for $4.3 billion (€3.3 billion).

GE plans to acquire Avio’s aviation business from Cinven, a leading European private equity firm that has owned Avio since 2006, and Finmeccanica, the Italian aerospace group. The transaction is subject to regulatory and governmental approvals. GE will not be purchasing Avio’s space unit.

The acquisition of Avio’s aviation business, which provides components for GE Aviation and other engine companies, would further GE’s participation in jet propulsion, one of the most attractive sectors of the aviation industry.

Avio will strengthen GE’s global supply chain capabilities as its engine production rates continue to rise to meet growing customer demand. Avio and its customers will benefit from GE’s planned investment in expanding Avio’s products and services. Additionally, GE sees excellent opportunity in the acquisition of Avio related to margin expansion.

The purchase price to be paid by GE for Avio’s aviation business represents a multiple of approximately 8.5x based on 2012 estimated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

This acquisition will create additional opportunities to offer Avio’s products and services beyond the aviation industry. GE plans to pursue new opportunities for Avio in power-generation, oil, and marine products. For example, Avio’s capabilities in transmission systems present potential growth opportunities in multiple sectors.