Page Group Set to be Sold to United Technologies Corporation for Estimated £50m

Page Group, a renowned aerospace components manufacturer, is poised to be acquired by United Technologies Corporation (UTC) in a deal valued at approximately £50m. The Sunbury-on-Thames-based company has a legacy dating back to the Second World War, with a rich history of designing and manufacturing cockpit controls for the commercial aircraft industry, including iconic models like the Boeing 747, 787, and Airbus A380. Page Group's portfolio also includes German-based Airsigna, which produces essential aircraft lighting systems. The company's esteemed clients comprise top-tier aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing, as well as prominent airlines such as British Airways and Cathay Pacific.

Key Takeaways:

  • Page Group is a leading manufacturer of aerospace components, with a history dating back to the Second World War.
  • The company designs and manufactures cockpit controls for commercial aircraft, including the Boeing 747, 787, and Airbus A380.
  • Page Group owns German-based Airsigna, which produces aircraft lighting systems, such as exit signs, emergency lights, and information signs.
  • The company's clients include major aircraft manufacturers and airlines, including Airbus, Boeing, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific.
  • Private equity firms ABN Amro Capital and Gresham have previously held stakes in the company, with ABN Amro Capital acquiring it from Gresham in 1999.
  • United Technologies Corporation (UTC) has beaten out competing bids from Ultra Electronics and France-based Zodiac to acquire Page Group.
  • Senior management, including chief executive Paul Gibbs, are set to make millions from the deal.
  • UTC's interest in acquiring Page Group comes as US manufacturers seek to expand through acquisitions of British-based specialist engineers.

Statistics:

  • Estimated value of the sale: £50m
  • Number of decades Page Group has been in operation: 2 (dating back to the Second World War)
  • Number of aircraft manufacturers among Page Group's clients: 2 (Airbus and Boeing)
  • Number of prominent airlines among Page Group's clients: 2 (British Airways and Cathay Pacific)
  • Number of German-based subsidiaries owned by Page Group: 1 (Airsigna)

Sources:

  • The Times
  • Private equity firm ABN Amro Capital
  • Investment bank Jefferies Quaterdeck
  • United Technologies Corporation (UTC)