Story ID: 
Zodiac Focused On External Growth Strategy
By: AIN Staff
Caption: Zodiac Aerospace comes into NBAA 2011 buoyed by an agreement with its banks to increase the amount and maturity of its financing.
Word Count: 231
Zodiac Aerospace comes into NBAA 2011 buoyed by an agreement with its banks to increase the amount and maturity of its financing. According to the French aerospace equipment and systems provider (Booth No. N6229), the agreement “reinforces the group’s financial capabilities and gives it the possibility to actively pursue its external growth strategy.”
Renegotiation of a June 2010 “club deal” (assumption of controlling interest) agreement with its banks, effective August 29, provides for a waiver allowing a drawing authorization from $1.402 billion to $1.822 billion. It also extends the “in fine” (final payment) term from June 29, 2014 to June 29, 2015.
Part of the company’s external acquisition strategy includes most recently the acquisition of Heath Tecna of Bellingham, Wash., in September. Heath Tecna is a global supplier in the design, manufacture and certification of highly engineered interior products. The company has 600 employees and generated revenues of $78 million in 2010.
Zodiac companies and products cover three key areas: aerosafety and technology, aircraft systems and cabin interiors. One of Zodiac’s most well known divisions is Esco, which makes engineered material arresting systems (Emas and EmasMax), crushable cellular cement that replaces runway safety areas. Emas is credited with a number of saves, preventing injury and loss of life during runway overruns. Total worldwide Emas installations have reached nearly 60, including some at general aviation airports such as Teterboro.–K.J.H.