ST Engineering’s US subsidiary, Vision Technologies Aerospace (VT Aerospace), has entered into a conditional share purchase agreement to acquire a 100% ownership in MRA Systems (MRAS) from General Electric for US$630 million on a cash-free and debt-free basis.
With 90 years of history in the aviation industry, MRAS is an established Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of engine nacelle systems for both narrowbody and widebody aircraft. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, USA with approximately 800 employees, MRAS has two principal business lines: design, development, production and sale of nacelles, thrust reversers and aerostructures, and spare parts sales.
ST Engineering has been looking to invest in new growth areas, including businesses that offer competitive products through the ownership of intellectual properties and that are synergistic to its core businesses. The company states that MRAS is a strong fit given its expertise and proprietary designs to manufacture nacelles using advanced composites. The proposed acquisition will allow ST Engineering to scale up its aerospace capabilities by moving the company into the OEM business of high-value nacelle components and replacement parts. MRAS’ design, engineering and manufacturing know-how in advanced composite structures is synergistic with ST Engineering’s composite manufacturing capabilities.
MRAS has a good combination of mature and next-generation nacelle programmes, all of which are single-source contracts. MRAS’ next-generation programmes include the A320neo powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1A engine, which is Airbus’ new-engine option for its A320 aircraft family. In partnership with Safran Nacelles, which was awarded the single-source contract by Airbus for A320neo’s LEAP-1A engine nacelles in 2012, MRAS has delivered over 500 LEAP-1A units so far. There are more than 6,000 A320neo aircraft ordered to-date. Over half have selected the engine type, of which 60 percent have selected to be equipped with the CFM International’s LEAP-1A engine.
Other single-source programmes in MRAS’ portfolio include COMAC’s C919 powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1C turbofan engine and COMAC’s ARJ21 powered by General Electric’s CF34 engine. There are more than 1,200 COMAC’s C919 and ARJ21 aircraft on order to-date according to industry reports. MRAS also provides nacelles for Bombardier’s Global 7000/8000 series of next-generation private/business jet.
The Proposed Acquisition is expected to be earnings accretive for the Group and its Aerospace sector. With the production rate for the A320neo reported to increase from the current 55 to 63 units per month by mid-2019, the production ramp-up is expected to improve productivity and drive future revenue and earnings growth for MRAS.
Vincent Chong, President & CEO of ST Engineering, said, “ST Engineering keeps a constant lookout to acquire companies in our core business areas or adjacencies that will contribute profitable revenue streams and sharpen our competitive edge. We are excited by the prospects of our investment in MRAS, which is a high-value and complementary business that will enhance our scale, global reach and capture synergies for the Group.”
David Joyce, Vice Chairman of GE and President and CEO of GE Aircraft Engines said, “My congratulations to Vincent and the ST Engineering team for their proposed acquisition of our Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS) business. I am confident that ST Engineering is the right choice for the future. They are an outstanding partner with a dedication to engineering and operations excellence. We look forward to our continued work with the Group and the Middle River team as an important supplier of nacelles on our propulsion systems for many years to come.”
Lim Serh Ghee, President of ST Engineering’s Aerospace sector, said, “Moving upstream into the business of design and manufacturing of nacelles will allow us to benefit directly from the robust growth of the global aircraft fleet as an OEM, and enable us to serve our customers better through an enhanced suite of products and services. MRAS fits into this strategic intent given its strong portfolio of intellectual properties and programmes supporting high-growth aircraft platform such as the A320neo.”
