TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Discovery Air Inc. ("Discovery Air")
announced today the pending acquisition of Advanced Training Systems
International, Inc. ("ATSI") by Discovery Air Defence Services Inc. (a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Discovery Air).
ATSI is a U.S. airborne training services company based in Mesa,
Arizona. It currently owns a fleet of ten (10) Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
aircraft and offers airborne training services, including, among other
services, tactical "Red Air" services, fighter lead-in training,
electronic warfare, radar theory and other combat tactics. Although
ATSI currently has minimal operations and revenues, it previously
provided airborne training services to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force
and the Canadian Forces, and has also provided advanced operational
test and evaluation services such as air-to-air refueling trials.
Jacob Shavit, Discovery Air's President and Chief Executive Officer,
stated: "We are delighted to add ATSI to the Discovery Air Group of
Companies. We believe there is significant growth potential in the
airborne training services market and are excited about becoming an
industry leader."
Completion of the transaction remains subject to the approval of ATSI's
shareholders and other customary closing conditions. ATSI's largest
shareholder, which owns approximately 85% of ATSI's issued and
outstanding capital stock, has agreed to vote its shares in favor of
the transaction in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Completion of the transaction was also subject to the receipt of
approvals from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States
(CFIUS) and the U.S. Department of State, both of which have been
received. Discovery Air expects the transaction to close within the
next 30 days.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in
applicable securities laws). Forward-looking statements can be
identified by words such as "believe", "expect", "should" and
variations thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on
assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties,
including those identified in Management's Discussion and Analysis
relating to Discovery Air's financial statements, which are available
at www.sedar.com.
In the case of Discovery Air's future potential in the market, such
expectations could be materially affected by, among other things,
decisions by governments with respect to the outsourcing of airborne
training requirements, actions taken by Discovery Air's competitors,
and changes in laws or procurement policies. As a result of such risks
and uncertainties, it is possible that Discovery Air's expectations may
not be realized, and readers should not place undue reliance on such
statements.
Forward-looking statements represent expectations as of the date they
are made, and Discovery Air disclaims any intention or obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statements it may make, whether as
a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as
required under applicable securities laws.
ABOUT DISCOVERY AIR AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Discovery Air is a specialty aviation company operating over 160
aircraft with approximately 850 team members. Its subsidiaries provide
airborne training to the Canadian military; helicopter operations; air
ambulance services; airborne fire services; fixed-wing air charter
services; expediting and logistics support; and a range of maintenance,
repair, overhaul, modification, engineering and certification services.
Discovery Air's Class A common voting shares and unsecured convertible
debentures trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbols DA.A and
DA.DB.A, respectively).
SOURCE Discovery Air Inc.
