Finance
Airbus completes divestment of its Defence Electronics unit to KKR
Amsterdam, 28 February 2017 – Airbus (stock exchange symbol: AIR) has finalised the sale of its
Germany-based Defence Electronics business to KKR, a leading global investment firm, following
the receipt of regulatory and other approvals, including from the German government.
The France-based portion of the business will be transferred to KKR once the carve-out of the
French entity in Elancourt, near Paris, is completed. The closing of this part of the transaction is
subject to regulatory approval from the French government
KKR acquires the business for an enterprise value of approximately € 1.1 billion. Airbus has agreed
to maintain a 25.1% minority stake for a limited number of years post-closing until the full
separation of the sites. This measure will facilitate a smooth transition for employees and business
stakeholders.
The Defence Electronics activity, which will be renamed Hensoldt, is a global provider of missioncritical
sensors, integrated systems and services for premium defence and security applications.
Headquartered in Ottobrunn, Germany, it has around 4,000 employees worldwide, with annual
revenues of around € 1 billion.
“We are pleased to finalise this transaction, which represents another major step forward in the
strategic rationalisation of Airbus’ defence activities,” said Dirk Hoke, Chief Executive Officer of
Airbus Defence and Space. “After streamlining our portfolio we are now well positioned with a clear
focus on smarter products, more service-based offerings and accelerating digital innovation.”
Johannes Huth, Member and Head of KKR Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “KKR will support
the growth and development of Hensoldt into a leading European defence company with its
financial resources and its extensive experience building successful industrial companies, such as
MTU Aero Engines, Demag Cranes and Kion.”
About Airbus
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2016, it generated revenues of € 67 billion
and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners
from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and
mission aircraft, as well as Europe’s number one space enterprise and the world’s second largest space
business. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.