| July 24, 2003
Garmin® International Announces Agreement
to Acquire UPS Aviation Technologies
OLATHE, KS and ATLANTA, GA, July 24, 2003 -- Garmin International
Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today announced a
definitive agreement to acquire UPS Aviation Technologies, Inc.,
a subsidiary of United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) for $38
million in cash.
The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions
and is expected to close in the third quarter. Once consummated,
UPS Aviation Technologies will change its name to Garmin AT,
Inc., and will continue operations as a wholly owned subsidiary
of Garmin International.
UPS Aviation Technologies, headquartered in Salem, Ore., designs
and manufactures multiple lines of communications, navigation
and surveillance products for general aviation and air transport
customers. The company employs about 150 people.
UPS Aviation Technologies is known for its innovation in the
development of Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B)
technology, leading the industry in the application of that technology
to enhance flight safety. It currently is participating in the
Federal Aviation Administration demonstration programs with ADS-B,
including the Safe Flight 21 and Alaskan Capstone programs.
In addition, UPS Aviation Technologies’ CNX80 GPS navigation
receiver recently became the first integrated panel-mounted product
certified by the FAA for primary navigation using the FAA’s
Wide Area Augmentation System, or WAAS. UPS Aviation Technologies
is widely recognized throughout the aviation community for its
LORAN technology as well as its panel-mounted Global Positioning
Systems, multi-function display and other aviation navigation
and communication technologies.
"
We are pleased with the agreement to acquire UPS Aviation Technologies," said
Dr. Min Kao, president of Garmin International. "The company’s
strong product line, ADS-B technology, an energized team and
a loyal customer base will provide our combined organization
with a stronger basis for serving both OEM and retrofit customers
with state-of-the-art avionics that enhance the safety, productivity
and enjoyment of flying."
"
Garmin is uniquely positioned to accelerate the marketing and
acceptance of ADS-B and other recent technology advances in general
aviation," said Tom Weidemeyer, president of UPS Airlines. "This
announcement recognizes the hard work and dedication of all employees
at UPS Aviation Technologies. Garmin is purchasing a talented
workforce that has proven its ability to bring new products to
market. Our decision to sell is based on the fact that our airline
has matured and ongoing development and marketing of aviation
technology is not part of the long-term strategic direction of
UPS."
Garmin International, Inc., headquartered in Olathe, Kansas
is a leading supplier of navigation, communication, surveillance
and audio systems for new and retrofit general aviation aircraft.
Garmin is developing the G1000 integrated cockpit system, a revolutionary
cockpit system that fully integrates aircraft attitude, navigation,
communication, surveillance, flight controls and large-screen
color displays for general aviation aircraft. Garmin International
Inc. is a member of the Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN) group of companies,
which designs and manufactures navigation, communication and
information devices — most of which are enabled by GPS
technology. Garmin is a leader in the general aviation and consumer
GPS markets and its products serve aviation, marine, outdoor
recreation, automotive, wireless and OEM applications. Garmin
Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal
subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the
United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual
pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations
department at 913-397-8200. GARMIN is a registered trademark
and G1000 is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company and
a global leader in supply chain services, offering an extensive
range of options for synchronizing the movement of goods, information
and funds. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 200
countries and territories worldwide. UPS's stock trades on the
New York Stock Exchange (UPS), and the company can be found on
the Web at UPS.com. UPS is a registered trademark of United Parcel
Service, Inc.
Notice on forward-looking statements:
This release includes projections and other forward-looking statements regarding
Garmin Ltd. and its business. Any statements regarding the company's
future financial position, revenues, earnings, product introductions, plans
and objectives are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking events
and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results
could differ materially as a result of risk factors affecting Garmin. Information
concerning risk factors that could affect Garmin's actual results
is contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
28, 2002 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission
file number 0-31983). A copy of Garmin's 2002 Form 10-K can be downloaded
from www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. |