Aerospace and defence suppliers Woodward, Hexcel combining

STAMFORD, Conn. — Woodward and Hexcel are merging in an all-stock deal that would create one of the largest suppliers in the aerospace and defence industry.

The companies say the tie-up will allow them to create more efficient aircraft that will reduce emissions, a big hurdle for the aerospace industry.

Hexcel Corp. is a manufacturer of advanced composites with headquarters in Stamford, Conn. and locations around the world, including a Canadian operation in Burlington, Ont. Woodward, based in Fort Collins, Colo., makes aircraft systems at locations around the word.

“The future of flight and energy efficiency will be defined by next-generation platforms delivering lower cost of ownership, reduced emissions, and enhanced safety — and a combined Hexcel and Woodward will be at the forefront of this evolution,” Hexcel CEO Nick Stanage said in a prepared statement.

Hexcel’s, stock jumped 5% Jan. 13 before the opening bell. Shares of Woodward were up 2.4%.

The new company, called Woodward Hexcel, will generate more than $5 billion in annual sales with a market capitalization nearing $14 billion and more than 16,000 employees.

Woodward Hexcel will have manufacturing operations in 14 countries on five continents.

Hexcel shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.625 shares of Woodward Inc. common stock for each share of Hexcel Corp. stock that they own. Woodward shareholders will continue to own the same number of shares in the combined company as they do immediately prior to the closing.

Existing Woodward shareholders will own about 55% of the combined company, with Hexcel shareholders owing about 45%.

Stanage will serve as CEO of the combined company. Woodward president, chairman and CEO Tom Gendron will serve as executive chairman of the combined company until the first anniversary of the merger’s closing. At that time Gendron plans to retire and will then serve as non-executive chairman of the combined company until the second anniversary of the merger’s closing. At that point, Stanage will take on the additional role of chairman.

The combined company’s board will have 10 members, consisting of five directors from each company, including Gendron and Stanage.

The combined business will be based in Fort Collins, where Woodward has its headquarters.

The deal is expected to close in the third quarter. It still needs approval from the shareholders of both companies, as well as the required regulatory approvals.