Acquires Cav-Air business to expand presence in key region
Providence, RI - June 1, 2007 - In a move that furthers the expansion of its customer support and service offerings, Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced that its affiliate, Edwards & Associates, Inc. has acquired the assets of Cav-Air, a helicopter maintenance and service center located at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
"This acquisition aligns very well with our strategy to expand support capabilities to our vertical lift customer base in key regions," said Dick Millman, chief executive officer of Bell Helicopter. "Florida currently has one of the largest fleet of commercial rotorcraft in the country, representing a significant growth area, as well as making it an ideal location for a Bell service center."
The acquisition furthers the expansion of Edwards & Associates into Florida, a location conducive to drawing business from the Caribbean and Latin America markets as well. It also allows Bell to further develop its high-quality maintenance offerings for current Bell aircraft operators, and will enhance offerings to future operators in this growing market segment.
Based in Bristol, Tennessee, Edwards & Associates specializes in the sale of new and used helicopters, customization, refurbishment and helicopter maintenance. The Edwards family of companies is comprised of Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., Rotor Blades Inc., RBI UK and RBI Hawker.
About Bell
Bell Helicopter is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.