Jan 21 2008
QinetiQ Group plc, an international defence and security technology company, announced today that it has signed an agreement to purchase the Melbourne, Australia-based engineering business of AeroStructures Group. This acquisition follows the announcement earlier this month of QinetiQ’s purchase of two other Australian defence consulting businesses – Ball Solutions Group and Novare Group – bringing the total number of QinetiQ staff in Australia to 288 with a turnover of A$48 million.
The principal business of AeroStructures Group is the engineering analysis and assessment of aircraft and helicopter structures with emphasis on structural integrity management and airframe life extension. The business also undertakes Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) management, design and inspection services and delivers specialist engineering professional development training in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
AeroStructures’ clients include the Australian Defence Force, Defence Science & Technology Organisation and overseas air forces. AeroStructures is currently undertaking full scale structural testing of the Boeing 787 wing flaps for local Boeing subsidiary Hawker de Havilland.
These acquisitions represent the continuing execution of QinetiQ’s strategy to grow its Europe, Middle East and Australasia (EMEA) capabilities. They will enhance QinetiQ’s portfolio of defence and aerospace-based expertise, provide additional routes to market and broaden QinetiQ’s customer base through existing relationships and contractual arrangements.
Commenting on the acquisition, Clive Richardson, QinetiQ’s Chief Operating Officer for Europe, Middle East and Australasia said: “Aerostructures is a leader in aircraft structural assessment in Australia and like Ball and Novare has synergies with QinetiQ’s capability in the UK. The three recent acquisitions we have announced in Australia will provide us with a tangible operational footprint in this growing market. They reflect our confidence in the strength of the Australian defence market and QinetiQ will continue to seek further expansion opportunities in the region."
Rod Locket, managing director of AeroStructures Group, welcomed the acquisition of the business by QinetiQ and added: “We are looking forward to drawing on QinetiQ’s depth of technical expertise and experience in the USA and Europe and leveraging these to benefit our Australian and Asia-Pacific clients."
This acquisition is subject to Commonwealth of Australia regulatory approval and is expected to complete by the end of February 2008.