Astronics Corporation Completes Acquisition of PECO Inc. and Amends Senior Credit Facilities

East Aurora, NY | July 18, 2013– Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq:ATRO) (“Astronics”), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the outstanding shares of PECO Inc. (PECO). The purchase price of approximately $136 million in cash was financed by an amendment to Astronics’ senior credit facilities, replacing the Company’s previously existing revolving credit line and senior term note.

Astronics’ amended senior credit facilities provide for a $75 million five-year revolving credit facility and a $190 million five-year term loan, both expiring in June 2018. The amended facilities carry an interest rate ranging from 225 basis points to 350 basis points above LIBOR, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio. Availability under the facilities, which are secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets, is subject to certain financial and other covenants typical for these types of facilities. Funds from the term loan financed the PECO closing and provide liquidity for general corporate purposes, including a possible election under IRS code section 338 (h)(10) pertaining to PECO that will allow the Company to deduct the amortization of acquired goodwill and other intangible assets from taxable income. The make whole provision of this election would require additional consideration to be paid to the sellers.

David C. Burney, Executive Vice President and CFO of Astronics, commented regarding the refinancing, “Expansion of our credit facilities is a testament to the strength of Astronics’ capital structure and our commitment to further execution of our strategy. After considering various options, the senior secured credit market was deemed to be the best alternative at this time for Astronics.”

PECO, located in Portland, Oregon, designs and manufacturers highly engineered commercial aerospace interior components and systems for the aerospace industry. The company specializes in Passenger Service Units (PSUs) which incorporate air handling, emergency oxygen, electrical power management and cabin lighting systems. It also manufactures a wide range of fuel access doors that meet stringent strength, fuel sealing and anti-corrosion requirements. PECO enjoys a longstanding relationship with many aerospace customers, including The Boeing Company, for which it provides a variety of products across its line of commercial airliners.

Astronics had previously announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire PECO on May 28, 2013.