December 13, 2011 — Cwmbran-based Contour Aerospace Limited is to be sold to Zodiac Aerospace SA – the French-owned world leader in aerospace equipment and systems for commercial aircraft.

The conditional agreement is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be concluded early in the new year.

Over the last 75 years, Contour – which employs over 1,000 at Cwmbran and 250 at its Camberley plant – has offered cutting-edge, innovative solutions for its customers, creating bespoke aircraft interiors for the world’s leading airlines.

Always staying ahead of the curve in aircraft interior design, Contour was the first to create and fit lie-flat seats into a British Airways fleet, as well as creating premium individual cabins and the world’s commercial airline first swivel seat, installed in the American Airlines Flagship Suite.

Zodiac Aerospace employs 23,000 people worldwide and generated revenue of €2.75 billion in 2010/2011 from its three business segments of cabin interiors, aero safety and technology and aircraft systems.

Said Contour Joint Managing Director, Ian Plummer: “This signals an exciting new phase in Contour’s development. Under Zodiac Aerospace ownership a significant number of benefits will accrue to the business, including access to the extensive resources of a much larger aerospace group.

“It is very much business as usual for all at Contour and we will continue to press ahead with our innovative design and concepts for which we have justifiably gained an excellent reputation.”

Olivier Zarrouati, Zodiac’s Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted and impressed with Contour’s capabilities, with all the personnel we have met, and in particular, with the talented management whose success is evident in the impressive financial performance achieved. We are looking forward to working together and, by combining our respective strengths, to develop Contour to its maximum potential. We strongly believe that the merger will enable us to provide customers with more and better services.”