Boeing said on Monday that it had agreed to buy a major supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, ending a nearly two-decade experiment in outsourcing production of major components of its commercial planes, including the body of the 737 Max and parts of the 767, 777 and 787.
In buying Spirit, Boeing hopes to stem quality problems that have plagued the supplier in recent years.
While it already has significant influence over Spirit, Boeing will more easily be able to monitor and change production practices by owning the business outright.
The deal, which was widely expected, was valued at $4.7 billion in stock or $8.3 billion including Spirit’s debt.
Boeing said its acquisition of Spirit is expected to close by the middle of next year.
Persons:
”, Dave Calhoun
Organizations:
Boeing, Airbus