Rockwell Collins has concluded the acquisition of aircraft cabin interior products and services provider B/E Aerospace for $8.6bn.

Announced last October, total consideration of the deal is comprised of approximately $6.4bn cash and stock, as well as an assumption of $1.9bn net debt.

The latest transaction is expected to produce run-rate pre-tax cost synergies of around $160m, including $125m after tax.

Rockwell Collins chairman, president and CEO Kelly Ortberg said: “Today marks a major step in advancing our vision of being the most trusted source of aviation and high-integrity solutions in the world.

“The industry-leading products and solutions being brought together by this acquisition give us a much broader offering, increasing value for our customers and ultimately driving long-term, profitable growth and shareowner value.”

With the completion of the deal, B/E Aerospace has now been rebranded as Rockwell Collins.

“Today marks a major step in advancing our vision of being the most trusted source of aviation and high-integrity solutions in the world."

Former B/E Aerospace president and CEO Werner Lieberherr has become the executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Rockwell Collins’ newly created Interior Systems business.

The deal has also allowed Rockwell Collins to increase its workforce to 30,000 people.

The company will also be able to expand its portfolio of cabin interior products for commercial aircraft and business jets, including seating, lighting, oxygen systems, food and beverage preparation and storage equipment, as well as modular galley and lavatory systems.  

The acquisition has further enabled Rockwell Collins to continue its global growth strategy that aims to expand its focus in the fields of cockpit, cabin management, communication and connectivity solutions, as well as product diversification.


Image: An employee from Rockwell Collins’ new Interior Systems business building airline cabin seats at its Winston-Salem, North Carolina, US-based facility. Photo: courtesy of Rockwell Collins.