BELLEVUE, Wash., September 29, 2014 – Esterline Corporation (NYSE: ESL) (www.esterline.com), a leading specialty manufacturer serving primarily aerospace and defense markets, today announced that it has agreed to acquire the aerospace and defense display businesses of Barco N.V. These operations are recognized globally as best-in-class designers and manufactures of high-technology, harsh-environment displays and visualization solutions, holding well-established positions in Avionics, Defense, Air Traffic Control, and Training and Simulation markets.

The transaction is expected to close in December or January, contingent upon Hart-Scott-Rodino approval, completion of French employee protective rights procedures, and other customary closing conditions. The acquisition purchase price of €150 million Euros, or approximately $200 million USD, will be funded primarily by international cash reserves.

The acquisition is a strategic bolt-on for Esterline; upon closing, the acquired operations will be integrated into Esterline’s Avionics & Controls business segment. The addition of Barco’s high-quality visual processing solutions is expected to enhance Esterline’s position as an innovative supplier of human-machine interface products primarily for aerospace customers in both commercial and defense markets. With annual revenues of approximately $200 million, this acquisition will significantly expand Esterline’s existing business in the display category.

Curtis Reusser, Esterline’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “This acquisition will rapidly expand our global display capability, and better position the company across a wide range of growing end markets. The immediate and cost-effective expansion of Esterline’s visual display business—an important core technology—will reinforce our ability to pursue opportunities with a variety of customers.”

Reusser said, “As a strategic bolt-on, this transaction fits well into our capital allocation framework. From an infrastructure and organizational standpoint, we believe we can strengthen operations and drive meaningful synergies and efficiencies through thoughtful business integration. Over a short space of time, this acquisition will carry a strong and sustainable rate of return, and is a particularly efficient use of our overseas capital.”

On an adjusted basis, excluding any integration expenses or other non-recurring costs, the Company noted that the acquisition is expected to be modestly accretive in fiscal 2015, and significantly more so over time, as the acquired operations are integrated.

Reusser said, “We are excited to be poised to acquire such a strong, well-balanced business.” He added, “We see significant growth potential as we leverage the strategic and financial fit of this acquisition to drive value and opportunity for our customers, our growing family of employees, and our shareholders.”

Esterline was advised in this transaction by Rothschild and Renaissance Strategic Advisors; Barco was advised by Morgan Stanley.