Thales completes the acquisition of Cobham Aerospace Communications - Press release - 2 April 2024

Thales completes the acquisition of Cobham Aerospace

Communications, adding global leading position  in safety cockpit communications

•       The integration of Cobham Aerospace Communications will strengthen Thales’s avionics portfolio, addressing the major trend towards connected cockpits.

•       Cobham Aerospace Communications is a leading supplier of cutting-edge technologies enabling flexible, integrated and more-autonomous avionics systems to make aviation safer, greener, and more efficient.

•       Cobham Aerospace Communications’ product range notably includes full L-Band satellite communications systems (antennas and transceivers), complete digital audio and radio management solutions and passive antenna systems enabling connectivity, communications & navigation.

© Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) announces today that it has completed the acquisition of Cobham Aerospace Communications, (“AeroComms”), a leading supplier of advanced, ultra-reliable innovative safety cockpit communication and connectivity systems. 

This is a major milestone for Thales, complementing and strengthening its avionics portfolio and creating a worldwide player in this market. With ~734 employees, of which ~190 engineers, AeroComms operates across a well-invested footprint in France, South Africa, USA/Canada, and Denmark. This transaction will create significant value for Thales shareholders in line with the targetscommunicated in July 2023, when announcing the acquisition.

"The acquisition of Cobham Aerospace Communications marks a new step in the very attractive and fast-growing communications and connectivity market. We are very excited to welcome these highly skilled experts to Thales. Combined with our established expertise in avionics, Cobham Aerospace Communications’ talents and technologies represent a tremendous accelerator for a more sustainable aerospace future.” Yannick Assouad, Thales Executive Vice-President Avionics

“Joining Thales is a great opportunity for Cobham Aerospace Communications to continue innovating in cutting-edge avionics products and growing the business. We are ready to embrace the upcoming revolution in aircraft connectivity and communication, and eager to invent a

sustainable aerospace future together.” Nicolas Bonleux, Cobham Aerospace Communications Chief Executive Officer

Thanks to this acquisition, Thales is strengthening further its offering and positioning within the connected avionic systems, building upon the recent market successes and positioning strongly as one of the key leaders.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies within three domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Digital Identity & Security. It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key areas such as quantum technologies, Edge computing, 6G and cybersecurity.

Thales has 81,000* employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

* These figures exclude the ground transportation business, which is being divested

About Cobham Aerospace Communications 

Cobham Aerospace Communications is a leading supplier of airborne avionics systems in the fields of satellite communications, audio/radio management, antennas, lights, clocks, and manmachine interfaces. We are an international company with headquarters in Rungis (Paris), France, and operate multiple sites in France, the United States, Canada, South Africa, and Denmark, with sales offices in Singapore, China and India. Through its unique technologies, Cobham Aerospace Communications has established strong and long-standing partnerships with many of the world’s leading manufacturers of commercial and regional aircraft; business jets; general aviation aircraft; military trainer, transport, and fighter aircraft; helicopters; and UAVs. 

+33 (0)1 57 77 90 93 

cedric.leurquin@thalesgroup.com 

Thales, Media Relations

Civil Aeronautics

Chrystelle Dugimont +33 (0)6 25 15 72 93

chrystelle.dugimont@thalesgroup.com

Thales, Analysts / Investors Alexandra Boucheron ir@thalesgroup.com

Cobham Aerospace Communications, Media Relations

Nicholas Bowkett +44 (0) 795 531 6 062

nbowkett@ctgroup.com