It has a significant participation on most major aircraft programmes and a broad customer base spanning the commercial, military, business jets and space markets.

Hans Büthker CEO, Fokker Technologies, said: "The combination of GKN Aerospace and Fokker will create a world-leading, innovative multi technology aerospace company with a global footprint. GKN Aerospace and Fokker together 
have an impressive multi-technology portfolio for our customers.

Fokker can benefit greatly from the scale, innovation and financial power of GKN. The innovation and technology driven culture in this larger company will provide broader and new opportunities for our employees who will be participating in some of the world's largest and most challenging aerospace projects.

"GKN was founded more than 250 years ago while Fokker has been at the forefront of aerospace technology for more than 100 years. Both companies understand the value of long term investment and the importance of operational excellence. The combination will help to meet the challenges of a more competitive and increasingly global aerospace market."

Once the acquisition is completed, Fokker, under the current leadership, will become a new operating unit within GKN Aerospace. Fokker's headquarters will remain in the Netherlands and its brand will continue to promote its strong heritage of technology and customer service. Fokker will also continue with its R&D and manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands as well as with its partnerships with the Dutch government and knowledge institutes.

Completion of the acquisition is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2015 following completion of the information and consultation procedures with the Fokker Works Council and trade unions, ITAR and CFIUS regulatory clearances and anti-trust clearance in the EU and the US.

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