Safran has announced its exclusive negotiations with Air Liquide for the acquisition of Air Liquide advanced Technologies' aerospace technology oxygen and nitrogen activities, excluding the cryogenic activities related to marine applications. The aeronautical technologies activities of Air Liquide, based in Sassenage, France at its Campus Technologies Grenoble site, primarily focus on oxygen and nitrogen equipment and systems, employing 218 people and generating a turnover of over €40 million (£34.5 million) in 2022.
Safran Aerosystems' Oxygen Systems business, which designs safety equipment for crews and passengers on civil and military aircraft, as well as helicopters, currently has 500 employees spread across the United States and France.
This acquisition project would complement Safran Aerosystems' existing product range, particularly in the area of On-Board Oxygen Generation Systems (OBOGS), positioning Safran as a leading player in systems integration.
Sébastien Weber, CEO of Safran Aerosystems, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are excited about this opportunity and look forward to welcoming Air Liquide's Oxygen and Nitrogen aeronautical technology teams. Our activities and expertise are highly complementary, and together we can offer more comprehensive and efficient solutions to the market.”
The proposed transaction is subject to the information and consultation procedure with the relevant employee representative bodies of Air Liquide advanced Technologies and Safran Aerosystems, as well as the necessary regulatory approvals. The completion of the transaction is anticipated in early 2024.
