Bombardier has announced a definitive agreement to sell its aerostructures business to Spirit AeroSystems Holding, supporting its strategic decision to focus on its two strong growth pillars, trains and business aircraft.

With this transaction, Spirit will acquire Bombardier's aerostructures activities and aftermarket services operations in Belfast, UK; Casablanca, Morocco; and its aerostructures MRO facility in Dallas, US for a cash consideration of $500 million and the assumption of liabilities with a total carrying value in excess of $700 million, including government refundable advances and pension obligations. Following the transaction, Spirit will continue to supply structural aircraft components and spare parts to support the production and in-service fleet of Bombardier Aviation's Learjet, Challenger and Global families of aircraft.

2019 revenues for these activities are expected to be approximately $1.0 billion, while generating adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 12 per cent. On this basis, the transaction implies an enterprise value to EBITDA multiple of approximately 10 times.

The transaction follows the formation of Bombardier Aviation earlier this year and streamlines Bombardier's aerostructures footprint to focus on core capabilities in Montreal, Mexico and its Global 7500 wing operations in Texas. The transaction also further strengthens Bombardier's liquidity as it moves toward the deleveraging phase of the turnaround. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2020 and remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

“This transaction represents another strategic milestone in the reshaping of our portfolio to focus on our strong business aircraft and rail franchises,” says Bombardier president and chief executive officer Alain Bellemare. “We are confident that Spirit's acquisition of these aerostructures assets is the best outcome for customers, employees and shareholders, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition.”