Boeing [BA] and Brazil’s Embraer [ERJ] on Dec. 21 said they are in discussions for a “potential combination” following a report in the Wall Street Journal that Boeing is in talks to acquire the maker of regional and business jets, light-attack fighters and reconnaissance aircraft, and medium-size military transport aircraft.
Sweden’s Saab on Dec. 21 said it is acquiring two compatriot shipyards, one a producer of small combat and patrol boats and the other a ship repair yard, in a deal aimed at enhancing its naval product offerings.
Terms of the acquisitions, which are expected to close on Dec. 29, were not disclosed. The two businesses combined have about $30 million in annual sales and 80 employees.
The deals include N. Sudin Dockstavarvet AB, which produces high-speed aluminum combat and patrol boats for military and civil customers. Muskovarvetis a full service ship repair yard located at Sweden’s Musko naval base, serving the country’s amphibious forces. Dockstavarvet has delivered more than 200 boats on three continents.
“Through the acquisitions, Saab will strengthen its product portfolio within surface vessels as well as enhance its capacity for support and maintenance at the Musko naval base,” Gunnar Wieslander, senior vice president and head of Saab’s naval business, Kockums, said in a statement. “Saab’s global presence will also facilitate marketing and future exports for the Dockstavarvet products.”
Wieslander told sister publication Defense Daily via an email response to questions that “The repair activities in the navy base are also increasing the flexibility in our offering. Uptime is a key requirement from our customers and a key priority for Saab Kockums.”