United Technologies has agreed to acquire aerospace manufacturer Goodrich in a deal valued at $16.5bn.

The purchase is worth $18.4bn, including $1.9bn in net debt assumed.

The deal will help United Technologies cash in on commercial plane orders by adding a maker of aircraft landing gear and jet-turbine casings to its portfolio.

United Technologies expects the transaction to strengthen its position in the aerospace and defence industry.

Goodrich is a supplier of systems and services to the aerospace and defence industry and its products include aircraft landing gear, aircraft wheels and brakes.