Acquisition

QinetiQ Group plc 18 January 2008 QinetiQ Group plc 18 January 2008 QinetiQ agrees to purchase Aerostructures Group. QinetiQ Group plc, announces today that it has signed an agreement to purchase Aerostructures, Group a Melbourne Australia based business from its current owner, Elmer B Lammon, for cash consideration of A$11m. The principal business of Aerostructures Group is the analyses and assessment of aircraft and helicopter structures with emphasis on fleet support, usage monitoring and prolonging service life. It also delivers specialist engineering professional development training in Australia, New Zealand and Asia and undertakes Non-Destructive Testing management, design and inspection services. The business employs 90 people and reported revenues of A$13m in the year ended 30 September 2007. This acquisition is subject to Commonwealth of Australia regulatory approval and is expected to complete by the end of February 2008. This acquisition follows the announcement earlier this month of QinetiQ's purchase of two other Australian defence consulting businesses - Ball Solutions Group and Novare Group - which collectively will establish a QinetiQ business in Australia of 288 employees with a turnover of A$48m. These acquisitions represent the continuing execution of QinetiQ's strategy to grow its Europe, Middle East and Australasia (EMEA) capabilities. They will enhance QinetiQ's portfolio of defence and aerospace-based expertise, provide additional routes to market and broaden QinetiQ's customer base through existing relationships and contractual arrangements. Commenting on the acquisition Clive Richardson, QinetiQ's Chief Operating Officer for Europe, Middle East and Australasia, said: 'Aerostructures is a leader in aircraft structural assessment in Australia and like Ball and Novare has synergies with QinetiQ's capability in the UK. The three recent acquisitions we have announced in Australia will provide us with a tangible operational footprint in this growing market. They reflect our confidence in the strength of the Australian defence market and QinetiQ will continue to seek further expansion opportunities in the region.' Further Enquiries: QinetiQ Group plc Adrian Colman, Investor Relations Tel: +44-1252-395366 David Bishop, Media Relations Tel: +44-1252-394573 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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