Garmin International buys UPS subsidiary for US$38 million
Garmin International Inc., in its first major acquisition, said on Thursday that it had agreed to buy a subsidiary of United Parcel Service Inc. for $38 million in cash.
UPS Aviation Technologies Inc. designs and makes communication, navigation and surveillance products for the general aviation and air transport industries. The company, based in Salem, Ore., employs about 150 people, including 50 engineers.
UPS Aviation, like Garmin, provides Global Positioning System technology to the aviation industry and is a pioneer in the development of ADS-B technology.
ADS-B, which stands for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, gives pilots and air traffic controllers a real-time view of aircraft traffic. The technology allows aircraft to broadcast their position in the sky using a digital data link and other data such as airspeed and altitude.
Olathe-based Garmin, a unit of Garmin Ltd., said it expects the acquisition to close in the third quarter. UPS Aviation Technologies will remain in Salem after the deal closes, but will change its name to Garmin AT Inc. The company will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Garmin International.
United Parcel Service, which has owned UPS Aviation for more than 15 years, said it was selling the company because aviation technology was no longer part of its long-term strategic direction.
UPS press release:
Garmin International Announces Agreement To Acquire UPS Aviation Technologies
OLATHE, Kansas, and ATLANTA, July 24, 2003 – Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today announced a definitive agreement to acquire UPS Aviation Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) for US$38 million in cash.
The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the third quarter. Once consummated, UPS Aviation Technologies will change its name to Garmin AT, Inc., and will continue operations as a wholly owned subsidiary of Garmin International.
UPS Aviation Technologies, headquartered in Salem, Ore., designs and manufactures multiple lines of communications, navigation and surveillance products for general aviation and air transport customers. The company employs about 150 people.
UPS Aviation Technologies is known for its innovation in the development of Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, leading the industry in the application of that technology to enhance flight safety. It currently is participating in the Federal Aviation Administration demonstration programs with ADS-B, including the Safe Flight 21 and Alaskan Capstone programs.
In addition, UPS Aviation Technologies’ CNX80 GPS navigation receiver recently became the first integrated panel-mounted product certified by the FAA for primary navigation using the FAA’s Wide Area Augmentation System, or WAAS. UPS Aviation Technologies is widely recognized throughout the aviation community for its LORAN technology as well as its panel-mounted Global Positioning Systems, multi-function display and other aviation navigation and communication technologies.
“We are pleased with the agreement to acquire UPS Aviation Technologies,” said Dr. Min Kao, president of Garmin International. “The company’s strong product line, ADS-B technology, an energized team and a loyal customer base will provide our combined organization with a stronger basis for serving both OEM and retrofit customers with state-of-the-art avionics that enhance the safety, productivity and enjoyment of flying.”
“Garmin is uniquely positioned to accelerate the marketing and acceptance of ADS-B and other recent technology advances in general aviation,” said Tom Weidemeyer, president of UPS Airlines. “This announcement recognizes the hard work and dedication of all employees at UPS Aviation Technologies. Garmin is purchasing a talented workforce that has proven its ability to bring new products to market. Our decision to sell is based on the fact that our airline has matured and on-going development and marketing of aviation technology is not part of the long-term strategic direction of UPS.”
Garmin International, Inc., headquartered in Olathe, Kansas is a leading supplier of navigation, communication, surveillance and audio systems for new and retrofit general aviation aircraft. Garmin is developing the G1000 integrated cockpit system, a revolutionary cockpit system that fully integrates aircraft attitude, navigation, communication, surveillance, flight controls and large-screen color displays for general aviation aircraft. Garmin International Inc. is a member of the Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN) group of companies, which designs and manufactures navigation, communication and information devices – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin is a leader in the general aviation and consumer GPS markets and its products serve aviation, marine, outdoor recreation, automotive, wireless and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. GARMIN is a registered trademark and G1000 is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
