Amsterdam, 22 de Abril de 2008
EADS today announced the acquisition of California-based PlantCML, a leading provider of emergency response solutions, from Golden Gate Capital, a San Francisco-based private equity fund, for approximately $350 million. Based on the good underlying profitability of PlantCML, the acquisition is earning per share (EPS) accretive (on a pre fair value amortization) in the first year. Leveraging the synergies between the companies is expected to create additional value in the following years. The acquisition was made through EADS’ U.S. operating subsidiary, EADS North America, and will become part of the North America business portfolio.
PlantCML provides call management and radio dispatch products for emergency call centres, along with emergency notification services, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) applications and mapping services. PlantCML has the largest installed base in U.S. public safety answering points.
Through its widespread market access, PlantCML will strongly contribute to sell EADS PMR solutions into the rapidly expanding US market. The company will also now accelerate its development in Europe and the rest of the world thanks to EADS’ worldwide operations, capitalizing on PlantCML’s U.S. and Canadian growth, high margins and strong cash generation.
“Bringing PlantCML into our business portfolio further enhances EADS North America’s capabilities in ensuring the homeland security of the United States,” said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., Chairman and CEO of EADS North America. “The resources of PlantCML are a perfect match with our growing homeland security and public safety activity, which already includes turnkey professional mobile radio systems and network security training.”
“With this acquisition, EADS solidifies its position in security systems and solutions, while fulfilling our commitment to invest in our capabilities, and grow in the U.S. By so doing, we demonstrate both our intent and success in following the roadmap we have laid out for EADS in 2008 and beyond,” explained EADS CEO Louis Gallois.
“Integrating with EADS will bring added resources, capabilities and technologies to PlantCML, and more importantly, to our customers,” said PlantCML CEO Tim Fuller. “We remain focused on meeting our customers’ needs and providing the high value service and products they expect from PlantCML.”
With this acquisition, EADS completes one of the first steps in its previously-announced Vision 2020 plan – the company’s strategic roadmap for future growth.
Through the acquisition, EADS also expands its industrial footprint in the U.S. and Canada, while positioning the company as a recognised prime contractor capable of meeting the demanding requirements of public agencies and first responders.
Besides, the addition of PlantCML strongly complements EADS’ portfolio in the Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) business, which is a growing market in Europe, the United States and other key regions. As a major public safety player in North America, PlantCML brings key assets to further develop EADS’ PMR business in this region and reinforce its global leadership in this sector, which evolved from a swift integration of the former Nokia activities in 2005.
Furthermore, PMR and emergency response solutions are an essential part of Lead Systems Integration solutions, which is a major focus of development for EADS Defence & Security.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. Its Defence & Security Division is a provider of comprehensive systems solutions and makes EADS the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium as well as a stakeholder in the missile systems provider MBDA. EADS also develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division.
PlantCML is headquartered in Temecula, California, with other U.S. operations in Tennessee, Indiana and Alabama, and a Canadian operation in Quebec. The company develops, manufactures, integrates and supports solutions for critical call-centre environments in both the public and private safety sectors, including transportation, utilities and federal agencies.
