Messier-Bugatti, Messier-Dowty and Messier Services merge to form Messier-Bugatti-Dowty

Safran announced today the merger of subsidiaries Messier-Bugatti, Messier-Dowty and Messier Services to form Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, the world leader in aircraft landing and braking systems.

The new company will be headed by Alain Sauret, the current Chairman and CEO of Messier-Bugatti. Gilles Bouctot, the current CEO of Messier-Dowty, will be Chief Operating Officer.

"This merger is a decisive move to consolidate the leading positions in each of our business segments to provide customers with an expanded portfolio of integrated landing systems, associated equipment and services," said Yves Leclere, Safran group Executive Vice President. "There are key strategic benefits in combining three complementary organizations, technologies and commercial offerings."

The new organisation comprises four operational divisions:

-- Landing Gear and Systems Integration: World leader in the design, manufacture and support of landing gear and integrated systems; and partner to 90 civil, military, regional and business aircraft programs.

-- Wheels and Brakes: World leader in carbon brakes, holding close to 50% worldwide market share in this business segment.

-- Systems Equipment: Leading market position in the supply of an exhaustive range of landing systems equipment, including: steering, extension and retraction, braking and monitoring systems and supporting over 10,000 aircraft in service.

-- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul: Major player in landing system MRO, backed by a worldwide network of 10 repair stations in three continents and servicing 500 customers.

A single customer support organization will underpin the three product divisions, ensuring more comprehensive and streamlined services for all customers.

Messier-Bugatti-Dowty will be able to leverage the use of more cost-effective and environmentally responsible technologies across its business segments. This includes the increased use of new materials, such as composites and titanium, while introducing more electric technologies, such as Green TaxiingTM, which enables aircraft to maneuver on the ground without relying on thrust from the main engines.

Alain Sauret added, "We are extremely pleased to make this announcement in conjunction with a series of recent commercial and program successes. This includes a 737 Next-Generation carbon brakes contract with Copa Airlines, our first delivery of the A350-900 main landing gears to Airbus, as well as an MRO contract with Asiana airlines for its A320, A321 and A330 fleets. These announcements demonstrate the breadth of Messier-Bugatti-Dowty's capabilities."