Thomson-CSF of France has filed for European Commission approval of its acquisition of the UK's Racal Electronics, announced on 13 January, after gaining US regulatory approval for the move. It expects to complete the takeover "in the early summer". California-based Computer Sciences is to buy Combitech Network, Saab's information technology subsidiary, as part of a deal which will see the Swedish company outsource its IT support operations. UK-based aerospace and defence electronics group Ultra Electronics is to buy DF Group, also of the UK, for £44 million ($70 million), including £21.8 million of debt. DF has two divisions, Datel Defence, a supplier of application software and system integration services, and Ferranti Air Systems, which provides IT systems to airports and airlines. Diversified US industrial group Teleflex has acquired protective coatings specialist Ethylene, adding it to its aerospace segment. Canada's Derlan Industries has completed its acquisition of Illinois-based helicopter drive systems specialist Boeing Precision Gear. Finnair's sale of tour operator Finnmatkat to Thomson Travel subsidiary Fritidsresor, which includes a long-term charter agreement between the two, has been approved by the Finnish competition authority. Acquisitive defence business Elbit Systems has increased its holding in fellow Israeli company Kinetics, a specialist in environmental controls, from 34% to 51%, exercising an option granted in July 1998. Elbit expects to complete its merger with electro-optical products company El-Op "in the near future". UK flight training company Multiflight has bought Leeds/Bradford-based Yorkshire Light Aircraft, Yorkshire Aeroplane Club and Yorkshire Flying Services. US aircraft parts distributor Air Repair has acquired Jacobs Service, and is now the certificate holder for the R-755 radial engine series powering Stearman and Waco biplanes.
Source: Flight International
