Rockwell Collins acquires ARINC, sells industry standards organization to SAE, plans sale of Aerospace Systems Engineering and Support business

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, 7 Jan. 2014. Rockwell Collins Inc. (NYSE:COL) has completed the acquisition of ARINC Inc. from The Carlyle Group for $1.4 billion.

“With this move we take a major leap forward to realizing our vision of providing a richer set of seamless information management solutions that encompass the aircraft and ground-based systems,” explains Kelly Ortberg, CEO and president of Rockwell Collins. "The acquisition represents an exciting new growth platform for Rockwell Collins and shifts the balance of the company toward the expanding commercial aviation sector."

“Combining ARINC’s high-performance, high-quality, and high-assurance networks and services with our information systems onboard the aircraft strengthens our ability to deliver improved efficiency and safety, and enhanced connectivity,” Ortberg continues. “In addition, the acquisition opens up adjacent market opportunities by leveraging ARINC’s strong presence in airport information systems and the broader transportation and security segments.”

To serve the best interests of the industry and avoid any perceived conflicts of interest, officials say, Rockwell Collins has completed the sale of ARINC’s Industry Standards Organization to SAE International with the completion of the ARINC acquisition.

In addition, due to a lack of fit with its long-term strategy, Rockwell Collins has initiated preparatory efforts to divest ARINC’s Aerospace Systems Engineering and Support business, which provides military aircraft integration and modifications, maintenance, and logistics and support.