Industry Week in Review – July 13, 2012
Boeing reclaimed ground in its continuous battle against Airbus this week, at the Farnborough Airshow in England, after United Airlines announced its $14.7 billion order for 150 Boeing 757 planes. The American planemaker booked a total of 396 orders and commitments valued at approximately $37 billion, more than double its French competitor Airbus, which took in just 115 orders worth $16.9 billion.
Compared to last year’s conference in Paris, where Airbus and Boeing announced $72 billion and $50 billion in orders, respectively, this year’s show was more subdued. Airbus however, was still able to increase its position in the widebody jets landscape, gaining new customer Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific
Big Movers
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (Up 16.3%) – Shares traded upward this week after the Company announced in its regulatory filing that it is looking to refinance its current credit facilities, a move that could pay investors a special dividend worth a total of $1 billion.
OHB Technology AG (Up 11.9%) – Shares traded upward this week after the Company’s subsidiary, Compagnia Generale per lo Spazio, signed a contract to complete the Optical System for Imaging and Surveillance (“OPSIS”) satellite and ground system segment for the Italian Space Agency and Italian Department of Defense. The contract has a value of €13.5 million ($17 million).
Magellan Aerospace Corporation (Up 11.0%) – Shares traded upward this week after the Company announced its contract extension with Airbus to deliver aluminum and titanium materials, as well as structural wing components for Airbus’ A320, A330, and A380 aircraft. The extension, which lasts through December 2019, has a projected value of roughly £370 million ($576 million).
Relevant Transactions
Superior Aviation Beijing Co., Ltd to acquire Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition Company, LLC, a manufacturer of business jets, general aviation turboprops, and military trainers. The acquisition will allow Superior Aviation to increase its global presence with Hawker Beechcraft’s brand name and strong research and development programs. Hawker Beechcraft, who recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, will gain greater access to the Chinese business and general aviation marketplace. Hawker Beechcraft Defense Business will not be included in the $1.79 billion deal, but if sold, Superior Aviation will be reimbursed $400 million. The deal is pending bankruptcy court permission for the two companies to enter exclusive negotiations.
DC Capital Partners acquired Catapult Technology, a leading provider of IT and management consulting services to the federal government, including civilian, defense, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. The acquisition by DC Capital will provide additional capital and professional resources to enhance Catapult’s market position, jump start growth, and further expand its customer base. Operating alongside two other DC Capital portfolio companies, Strategic Intelligence Group LLC and Kickstand, LLC, Catapult will be able to leverage the opportunity to cross-sell its IT and consulting services and solutions into new customers across the federal government. KippsDeSanto acted as exclusive financial advisor to Catapult Technology. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
