Boeing Agrees To Buy Spirit Aerosystems, A Longtime Supplier

In a move that is set to significantly alter the landscape of the aerospace industry, Boeing has agreed to acquire Spirit AeroSystems, a longtime supplier of aircraft components. The deal, which is valued at approximately $7 billion, marks a major strategic shift for Boeing as it seeks to strengthen its position in the global market.

Spirit AeroSystems, based in Wichita, Kansas, is a leading manufacturer of aerostructures, including fuselages, wings, and other aircraft components. The company has been a key supplier to Boeing for decades, providing critical components for many of the aerospace giant’s commercial aircraft programs.

Under the terms of the agreement, Boeing will acquire all outstanding shares of Spirit AeroSystems common stock for $79.75 per share, representing a premium of approximately 25% over the company’s closing stock price on the day before the announcement. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2023, pending regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

The acquisition is seen as a strategic move by Boeing to bolster its supply chain and reduce its reliance on external suppliers. By bringing Spirit AeroSystems in-house, Boeing will gain greater control over the design, development, and production of critical aircraft components, allowing it to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance its overall competitiveness.

“This acquisition is a significant step forward for Boeing as we continue to evolve our business and position ourselves for long-term success,” said Boeing CEO, David Calhoun. “Spirit AeroSystems is a world-class supplier with a rich history of innovation and excellence, and we are excited to welcome their talented team to the Boeing family.”

The deal is also expected to have significant implications for the aerospace industry as a whole. With Spirit AeroSystems under its wing, Boeing will be better positioned to compete with rival Airbus, which has long been a dominant player in the global market. The acquisition is also likely to have a ripple effect throughout the supply chain, as other aerospace companies reassess their relationships with Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems.

For Spirit AeroSystems, the deal marks the end of an era as an independent company. Founded in 2005, the company has grown rapidly to become one of the largest suppliers of aircraft components in the world. While the acquisition will undoubtedly bring significant changes to the company, Spirit AeroSystems’ leadership expressed confidence that the deal will ultimately benefit its employees, customers, and stakeholders.

“We are proud of the company we have built and the value we have created for our stakeholders,” said Spirit AeroSystems CEO, Tom Gentile. “We believe that this acquisition will provide new opportunities for our employees and customers, and we look forward to working with the Boeing team to drive growth and innovation in the aerospace industry.”

As the deal moves forward, industry analysts will be watching closely to see how Boeing integrates Spirit AeroSystems into its operations and how the acquisition impacts the broader aerospace landscape. One thing is certain, however: the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems marks a significant shift in the balance of power in the aerospace industry, and Boeing is poised to emerge as an even stronger player in the years to come.