Textron, the parent company of Cessna and Bell Helicopter, announced on Friday that it has agreed to buy two flight simulation and aircraft training companies — Mechtronix, based in Montreal, and Opinicus Corp., based in Lutz, Fla. The two companies will be combined with Textron’s existing training and simulation business for military pilots in South Carolina to form a new unit, Textron Simulation & Training Systems. The new business is expected to generate annual revenues over $100 million, Textron said.
“Mechtronix and Opinicus each have a strong record of delivering advanced flight simulation technologies and services,” said Textron CEO Scott Donnelly, in a news release. “Today’s pilots face an ever-expanding range of systems and controls within the cockpit, making realistic simulation essential for commercial and military flight training. By adding these businesses, we deepen Textron’s ability to fully serve the military, business and civil aviation industries.” Both transactions are expected to close by the end of the year.
