Cassidian enhances its security electronics business by acquiring majority shareholding in Grintek Ewation

Grintek Ewation's location in Pretoria, South Africa which deals with electronic communications in security sector

Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, boosts its global security electronics business by entering into an agreement to acquire the majority shareholding in South African Electronic Warfare specialist company, Grintek Ewation (GEW), Pretoria.

Cassidian will increase its 45 per cent share in GEW to 87.4 per cent by acquiring the 42.4 per cent share of SAAB South Africa. A 12.6 per cent share is held by Kunene Finance Company. The increase of local shareholding remains a priority to be addressed in the near future. The transaction which is valued at a two-digit million Euro sum is subject to formal approval from South African competition authorities.

"Grintek Ewation capitalises on outstanding competencies in the fields of Communications Electronic Warfare," explained Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Cassidian Electronics. "These are complementary to our existing skills in governmental intelligence and electronic protection, and therefore give us an excellent basis to grow this business vigorously."

"This new shareholding structure takes the long standing relationship with EADS to a new level," said Carel van der Merwe, CEO of Grintek Ewation. "The advantage of this closer relationship provides the opportunity for future growth and competitiveness on a global scale."