Lockheed Martin buying Sikorsky Aircraft from United Technologies for US$9B
by The Associated Press
Black Hawk helicopter maker goes to U.S. aerospace and defense giant
NEW YORK—Lockheed Martin is buying Black Hawk helicopter maker Sikorsky Aircraft for $9-billion.
United Technologies said in June that it planned to shed Sikorsky, either through a sale or spinoff. The aerospace and building systems conglomerate wants to focus on high-technology systems and services for the aerospace and building industries.
Aside from Black Hawk helicopters, Sikorsky makes presidential helicopters. Sikorsky helicopters have also returned astronauts home after they splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at the end of their space travels.
Lockheed Martin said Monday that it plans to add Sikorsky to its mission systems and training unit. The Bethesda, Maryland, defence contractor expects to fund the acquisition with cash on hand and new debt issuances.
United Technologies, based in Hartford, Connecticut, said that it plans to use the sale’s proceeds for additional stock buybacks.
The deal is targeted to close by the end of the year or in 2016’s first quarter.
