CHINESE BUY TELEDYNE CONTINENTAL

14 Dec 2010

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CONTINENTAL piston engines has been sold to China's state-owned AVIC aeroplane manufacturing giant.

The deal has just been announced today, 14 December. A release says:

Teledyne Technologies and AVIC International Holding Corporation (“AVIC International”) announced today an agreement to sell Teledyne’s general aviation piston engine business to Technify Motor (USA) LTD., a subsidiary of AVIC International, for $186 million in cash.

Headquartered in Mobile, Ala., Continental Motors is a leading manufacturer of FAA-certified piston engines, as well as spare parts and components, used in small propeller-driven general aviation aircraft around the world.

Continental Motors employs approximately 400 workers in Mobile, and has been a highly reliable manufacturer of commercial aircraft piston engines for more than 80 years. Continental Motors also maintains service centers in Fairhope, Ala. and Mattituck, N.Y.

With major customers such as Boeing, Airbus, Honeywell and Snecma, AVIC International is a trusted supplier and partner of leading aviation companies in the U.S. and around the world. The transaction will enhance the ability of Continental Motors to compete globally, especially in growing overseas markets, such as China.

Today, Continental Motors’ primary markets are the U.S. and Europe. On the other hand, China opens one of the world’s largest potential markets for general aviation aircraft, due to its growing population, large geographical area and expanding infrastructure.

Compared to 230,000 general aviation aircraft in the U.S, China has approximately 900 small aircraft operating in the country. That number is expected to grow over the next decade, raising demand for FAA-certified piston engines.

AVIC International was attracted to Continental Motors’ long history in the general aviation market and the company’s reputation for product quality, safety and service. With the acquisition of Continental Motors, AVIC International is making a principal commitment to the Mobile region.

AVIC International expects to retain the senior management of Continental Motors and maintain Continental Motors’ global headquarters in Mobile, Ala. Furthermore, the transaction sets the stage for new hires of skilled workers in Mobile, as international demand for piston-powered aircraft would result in increased engine manufacturing at Continental Motors. AVIC International also plans continued investment and upgrades in Continental Motors’ operations, as well as increased research and new product development.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with the AVIC International team,” said Rhett Ross, President of Continental Motors.

“AVIC International will greatly strengthen Continental Motors’ market access. In addition, increased investment will accelerate new products, such as Continental Motors’ TD-300 diesel engine, which is well-suited to growing regions given international fuel availability. The transaction will allow Continental Motors to continue to be a global leader in the general aviation piston engine industry.”

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011. The acquisition of Continental Motors by AVIC International is subject to customary closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and by the U.S. Government’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), as well as obtaining all relevant Chinese Government Approvals.

Continental Motors and its predecessors produced their first commercial aircraft engine in 1929 and have been in continuous production ever since. The company’s current engines range from 100 to 350 horsepower and are used in small general aviation aircraft for personal and business use. Continental Motors does not produce or use military or defense-related technology.

A brief presentation summarizing the proposed transaction and growth opportunities will be posted to Continental Motors’ website at www.genuinecontinental.aero

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