
Woodward, a manufacturer of aerospace and industrial energy control solutions based in Fort Collins, Colorado, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the electromechanical actuation business operated in North America by French aerospace manufacturer Safran Electronics & Defense. Both companies are top players in the market with many products designed around magnetic technologies.
The acquisition includes intellectual property, operations assets, talent and long-term customer agreements for Horizontal Stabilizer Trim Actuation systems for aircraft stabilization to support safe and efficient flight, notably used for the Airbus A350. The HSTA, a key product within the acquisition, represents the most advanced electromechanical control technology in aviation, say the companies. The acquisition will also include other electromechanical products and electronic control units with a portfolio of commercial airliner and business aircraft applications. The acquired assets include operations in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

“The acquisition of Safran’s electromechanical actuation business aligns perfectly to Woodward’s growth and innovation value drivers,” said Chip Blankenship, Chairman and CEO of Woodward. “It increases our shipset content for current widebody programs and expands our industry-proven technology platform for Next Generation Single Aisle aircraft. Overall, this acquisition is an excellent fit for Woodward’s complementary activities. It is another example of how we’re focusing our resources and capital on aerospace and industrial product lines with the greatest potential to serve our customers well and increase long-term value for our shareholders.”
“We are confident that this important business will continue to thrive under Woodward’s leadership and commitment to innovation. We look forward to supporting a smooth and efficient transition for our customers.” said Franck Saudo, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense. “With our eyes riveted on accelerated value creation and the preparation of the next generation of aircraft, the transaction announced today is another important milestone towards the closing of the acquisition by Safran of Collins Aerospace’s actuation and flight control activities.”
The transaction is expected to close sometime in mid-2025, once all customary terms and conditions of the agreement are met and regulatory requirements are fulfilled. Terms and price were not disclosed.
Precision PM motors in the Woodward magnetics-related portfolio

Woodward’s motor expertise spans AC motors, brushless DC motors and stepper motors, as well as accessory devices such as brakes, clutches, tachometers, PMA alternators and eddy-current dampers. The motor product lines include frameless, standalone devices or fully assembled into actuation line-replaceable units. They can be supplied with an in-house line of gearheads as a power drive unit or with a leadscrew output to deliver greater torque or force to the payload. Most products can be wound for a broad range of supply voltages for use on equivalent DC links of less than 28 volts or greater than 800 volts.