Lockheed Martin to buy Sikorsky helicopter for $9B

By

Agence France-Presse

(FILES) This 16 June 2005 file photo shows the logo of US company Lockheed Martin at Le Bourget Airport during the 46th International Paris Air Show. The United Technologies Corporation announced July 20, 2015 it is selling its helicopter manufacturing subsidiary Sikorsky for $9 billion to defense group Lockheed Martin. Sikorsky manufactures the military chopper Black Hawk as well as the Marine One helicopter used by the US president. AFP PHOTO/PIERRE VERDY

In 2014, Sikorsky had some $7.5 billion in sales, but operating profits were down.

The cash transaction with Lockheed is expected to close no later than the
first quarter of 2016.

UTC will use the sale to repurchase some of its own shares as an indirect way to reward the company’s shareholders.

UTC head Gregory Hayes said in a statement the sale will make sure the company remains a technology leader.