Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the acquisition of Aviation Service, a world-class provider of modifications and upgrades, avionics and special mission packages, based in Prague, Czech Republic with annual revenues of about $14 million.

“Bell is committed to meeting the needs of our European customers; this acquisition allows us to more rapidly provide support and service to this important region,” said John L. Garrison, Bell president and CEO. “This facility provides us with the capabilities to meet the maintenance and modernization needs of Bell’s current European fleet of aircraft, while providing a foundation to accommodate future growth with local completion and customizing capability for new aircraft deliveries.”

“This central European location will further enhance our industry-leading Customer Support and Service organization, bringing the complete suite of Bell’s support and service offerings closer to our European customers,” said Danny Maldonado, senior vice president of Customer Support and Services and Chief Service Officer. “Supporting the European fleet is a priority for Bell, acquiring Aviation Service is one of the first steps to increase Bell’s rising presence in Europe.”

As part of the new acquisition Bell expects to be able to generate supplemental type certifications to meet customer requirements, building on Aviation Service’s EASA Part 21 Design Organization and 145 Repair Station certifications.

Leading this new venture is Gordon Harveson, general manager Bell Europe and a long-time leader at Bell. Among his recent accomplishments, Harveson managed the Bell Customer Supply Center in Amsterdam, a facility he will once again have responsibility for. “Building on the existing experience of Aviation Service, the introduction of the 429 and the world class supply capabilities at our Amsterdam facility, this acquisition signals the commitment of Bell in the European market,” said Harveson.

About Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell’s global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron in known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at http://www.textron.com.