UK competition watchdog looks into Meggitt sale
Meggitt makes composite components for military aircraft such as the F-35. (Photo: Meggitt)
The UK government announced on 18 October that it has referred the planned acquisition of Meggitt by Parker-Hannifin to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The CMA is required to report to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy by 18 March 2022.
‘Meggitt continues to expect that the acquisition will complete in the third quarter of 2022,’ the UK company announced in a 19 October statement.
The acquisition of Meggitt would cost about £6.3 billion ($8.76 billion), Shephard reported in August when the deal was announced.
Under the National Security and Investment Act, which enters into UK law in January 2022, the government has enhanced powers to investigate and where necessary intervene in defence-related mergers, acquisitions and other transactions.
A bid from US-owned Cobham for Ultra Electronics, announced in July 2021, is also being investigated by the UK government.
More from Defence Notes
-
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.