Summary
This 8-K filing from United Technologies Corporation (UTC), now RTX Corp, announces the successful completion of its acquisition of Rockwell Collins, Inc. on November 26, 2018. The transaction, valued at approximately $15.5 billion in cash and 62.4 million UTC shares, integrated Rockwell Collins into UTC, forming the new Collins Aerospace Systems business segment. This acquisition marks a significant step in UTC's strategic transformation. Alongside the acquisition, UTC also disclosed its intention to separate into three independent, publicly traded companies: an aerospace company (comprising Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney), Otis (elevators), and Carrier (HVAC and refrigeration). The separation is expected to be completed in 2020 and intended to be tax-free for shareholders. The filing also notes leadership appointments within the newly formed Collins Aerospace Systems segment. Investors should note that while the acquisition is complete, the detailed financial statements and pro forma information for the acquired business are yet to be filed, with UTC committing to provide them via amendment within 71 days. This implies that a complete financial picture of the combined entity and the impact of the acquisition on UTC's financial standing will be available at a later date. The strategic decision to split into three distinct companies signals a significant restructuring effort aimed at unlocking shareholder value and focusing each entity on its core competencies.
Key Highlights
- 1Completion of the acquisition of Rockwell Collins by United Technologies Corporation (UTC) on November 26, 2018.
- 2The total transaction value was approximately $15.5 billion in cash and 62.4 million shares of UTC common stock.
- 3Rockwell Collins will operate as the newly formed Collins Aerospace Systems business segment within UTC.
- 4UTC announced its intention to separate into three independent companies: an aerospace company, Otis, and Carrier.
- 5The proposed separation is expected to be completed in 2020 and is intended to be tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
- 6Robert K. Ortberg appointed CEO of Collins Aerospace Systems; David L. Gitlin appointed President and COO.
- 7Financial statements and pro forma information for the acquired business will be filed via amendment within 71 days.