Woodward, Hexcel attempt to become a force in aerospace

The companies say the merger will allow them to create more efficient aircraft that will reduce emissions.

  • MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer
  • Monday, January 13, 2020 1:44pm
  • Business

By Michelle Chapman / Associated Press

Woodward and Hexcel are merging in an all-stock deal that would create one of the largest suppliers in the aerospace and defense industry.

The companies say the tie-up will allow them to create more efficient aircraft that will reduce emissions, a big hurdle for the aerospace industry.

“The future of flight and energy efficiency will be defined by next-generation platforms delivering lower cost of ownership, reduced emissions, and enhanced safety — and a combined Hexcel and Woodward will be at the forefront of this evolution,” Hexcel CEO Nick Stanage said in a prepared statement.

Hexcel’s stock jumped 9.6% at the opening bell Monday. Shares of Woodward rose 5.1%.

The new company, called Woodward Hexcel, will generate more than $5 billion in annual sales with a market capitalization nearing $14 billion and more than 16,000 employees.

Woodward Hexcel will have manufacturing operations in 14 countries on five continents, including facilities in Skagit and King counties.

Both companies supply Airbus and Boeing, including parts for the 737 Max. With Boeing ensnared in one if its biggest crisis following the crash of two of its marquee aircraft, industry analysts speculate the deal may have been pushed forward to better position the combined company with Airbus.

“With Airbus’ share of the commercial aerospace market likely to gradually rise, Woodward believes Hexcel’s strong European sales force and Airbus market position should help it rapidly expand its market position,” analyst Nicholas Heymann of William Blair wrote.

Hexcel shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.625 shares of Woodward Inc. common stock for each share of Hexcel Corp. stock that they own. Woodward shareholders will continue to own the same number of shares in the combined company as they do immediately prior to the closing.

Existing Woodward shareholders will own about 55% of the combined company, with Hexcel shareholders owing about 45%.

Stanage will serve as CEO of the combined company. Woodward President, Chairman and CEO Tom Gendron will serve as executive chairman of the combined company until the first anniversary of the merger’s closing. At that time Gendron plans to retire and will then serve as non-executive chairman of the combined company until the second anniversary of the merger’s closing. At that point, Stanage will take on the additional role of chairman.

The combined company’s board will have 10 members, consisting of five directors from each company, including Gendron and Stanage.

The combined business will be based in Fort Collins, Colorado, where Woodward has its headquarters. Hexcel is based in Stamford, Connecticut.

The deal is expected to close in the third quarter. It still needs approval from the shareholders of both companies, as well as regulatory approvals.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

Lily Lamoureux stacks Weebly Funko toys in preparation for Funko Friday at Funko Field in Everett on July 12, 2019.  Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Everett-based Funko ousts its CEO after 14 months

The company, known for its toy figures based on pop culture, named Michael Lunsford as its interim CEO.

The livery on a Boeing plane. (Christopher Pike / Bloomberg)
Former Lockheed Martin CFO joins Boeing as top financial officer

Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer is being replaced by a former CFO at… Continue reading

Izaac Escalante-Alvarez unpacks a new milling machine at the new Boeing machinists union’s apprentice training center on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists union training center opens in Everett

The new center aims to give workers an inside track at Boeing jobs.

Some SnoCo stores see shortages after cyberattack on grocery supplier

Some stores, such as Whole Foods and US Foods CHEF’STORE, informed customers that some items may be temporarily unavailable.

People take photos and videos as the first Frontier Arlines flight arrives at Paine Field Airport under a water cannon salute on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Water cannons salute Frontier on its first day at Paine Field

Frontier Airlines joins Alaska Airlines in offering service Snohomish County passengers.

Amit B. Singh, president of Edmonds Community College. 201008
Edmonds College and schools continue diversity programs

Educational diversity programs are alive and well in Snohomish County.

A standard jet fuel, left, burns with extensive smoke output while a 50 percent SAF drop-in jet fuel, right, puts off less smoke during a demonstration of the difference in fuel emissions on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sustainable aviation fuel center gets funding boost

A planned research and development center focused on sustainable aviation… Continue reading

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

Pharmacist John Sontra and other employees work on calling customers to get their prescriptions transferred to other stores from the Bartell Drugs Pharmacy on Hoyt Avenue on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Bartell Drugs location shutters doors in Everett

John Sontra, a pharmacist at the Hoyt Avenue address for 46 years, said Monday’s closure was emotional.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.