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Garmin International Announces Agreement To Acquire UPS Aviation Technologies
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OLATHE, Kansas, and ATLANTA, July 24, 2003 Garmin International Inc., a
unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today announced a definitive agreement to
acquire UPS Aviation Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of United Parcel Service,
Inc. (NYSE:UPS) for US$38 million in cash.
The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected
to close in the third quarter. Once consummated, UPS Aviation Technologies will
change its name to Garmin AT, Inc., and will continue operations as a wholly
owned subsidiary of Garmin International.
UPS Aviation Technologies, headquartered in Salem, Ore., designs and manufactures
multiple lines of communications, navigation and surveillance products for general
aviation and air transport customers. The company employs about 150 people.
UPS Aviation Technologies is known for its innovation in the development of
Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, leading the industry
in the application of that technology to enhance flight safety. It currently
is participating in the Federal Aviation Administration demonstration programs
with ADS-B, including the Safe Flight 21 and Alaskan Capstone programs.
In addition, UPS Aviation Technologies’ CNX80 GPS navigation receiver
recently became the first integrated panel-mounted product certified by the
FAA for primary navigation using the FAA’s Wide Area Augmentation System,
or WAAS. UPS Aviation Technologies is widely recognized throughout the aviation
community for its LORAN technology as well as its panel-mounted Global Positioning
Systems, multi-function display and other aviation navigation and communication
technologies.
“We are pleased with the agreement to acquire UPS Aviation Technologies,”
said Dr. Min Kao, president of Garmin International. “The company’s
strong product line, ADS-B technology, an energized team and a loyal customer
base will provide our combined organization with a stronger basis for serving
both OEM and retrofit customers with state-of-the-art avionics that enhance
the safety, productivity and enjoyment of flying.”
“Garmin is uniquely positioned to accelerate the marketing and acceptance
of ADS-B and other recent technology advances in general aviation,” said
Tom Weidemeyer, president of UPS Airlines. “This announcement recognizes
the hard work and dedication of all employees at UPS Aviation Technologies.
Garmin is purchasing a talented workforce that has proven its ability to bring
new products to market. Our decision to sell is based on the fact that our airline
has matured and on-going development and marketing of aviation technology is
not part of the long-term strategic direction of UPS.”
Garmin International, Inc., headquartered in Olathe, Kansas is a leading supplier
of navigation, communication, surveillance and audio systems for new and retrofit
general aviation aircraft. Garmin is developing the G1000 integrated cockpit
system, a revolutionary cockpit system that fully integrates aircraft attitude,
navigation, communication, surveillance, flight controls and large-screen color
displays for general aviation aircraft. Garmin International Inc. is a member
of the Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN) group of companies, which designs and manufactures
navigation, communication and information devices most of which are enabled
by GPS technology. Garmin is a leader in the general aviation and consumer GPS
markets and its products serve aviation, marine, outdoor recreation, automotive,
wireless and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands,
and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and
the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at
www.garmin.com/pressroom
or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. GARMIN is a registered
trademark and G1000 is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader
in supply chain services, offering an extensive range of options for synchronizing
the movement of goods, information and funds. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS
serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. UPS's stock trades
on the New York Stock Exchange (UPS), and the company can be found on the Web
at UPS.com. UPS is a registered trademark of United Parcel Service, Inc.
# # #
Notice on forward-looking statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its
business. Any statements regarding the company's future corporate acquisitions,
product introductions, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not
occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of risk factors
affecting Garmin. Information concerning such risk factors which could affect
Garmin's actual results is contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 28, 2002 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of Garmin's 2002 Form 10-K
can be downloaded from www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html.
For more information, contact:
- Jon Cassat
Garmin 913-440-1791
- Patti Hobbs
UPS 502-329-3014
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