Top executives at Honeywell Aerospace and Leonardo DRS have indicated their firms are looking to increase mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in the near future.
Honeywell Aerospace Plans for Acquisitions Post-Split
Honeywell Aerospace CEO Jim Currier stated that the company’s M&A pipeline is „as robust as it has ever been.” He anticipates continued acquisitions, particularly in Europe, as Honeywell prepares to split into three separate companies in 2026, with Honeywell Aerospace taking on the majority of the firm’s defense work.
Currier declined to specify areas of interest but pointed to the acquisitions of Civitanavi, an Italian company, as an example of filling technology gaps and creating „one plus one equals three” situations. He emphasized that M&A must be strategic, addressing technology gaps or opportunistic sales synergies.
Leonardo DRS Seeks Inorganic Growth to Strengthen Core Markets
Leonardo DRS head Bill Lynn echoed Currier’s sentiment, stating that the company will look for M&A opportunities in the coming year to supplement strong organic growth. Rather than expanding into new markets, Leonardo DRS will focus on strengthening its four core markets.
Lynn highlighted the sensor business as an area where adding tactical computing or artificial intelligence capabilities could enhance connectivity. He also noted the company’s growing space work as a potential area for acquisition.
M&A Regulatory Environment Under Potential Second Trump Administration
While the first Trump administration was viewed as friendlier to M&A activity, Lynn refrained from predicting whether a second administration would necessarily lead to fewer regulations. He emphasized the need to observe personnel picks and early M&A approvals to gauge the regulatory environment.
