Textron announced that it is undertaking a strategic assessment of its business, with a view to a possible sale of parts of its aerospace and defense business. Textron manufactures Cessna aircraft and Bell helicopters, in addition to light vehicles and other businesses. Over the last few years, Textron has reduced its headcount by a quarter and its share price has fallen by around 70%. The company has been facing pressure from a weak global economy, which in turn has seen demand for its Cessna products soften. In addition, its defence businesses are coming under pressure from contracting defence budgets. Sources say that there is come pressure to consolidate the military helicopter market.Textron Inc. is a company with a global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses across five core business divisions: Cessna, Bell, Textron Systems, industrial, and a finance operation. Textron manufactures defense transportation such as business jets, single engine turboprops, helicopters, tiltrotor aircraft, armored security vehicles, advanced marine craft, all terrain vehicles and watercraft, and offers finance for aircraft, helicopter, golf and turf-care equipment. The company has operations in 29 countries around the world. Textron is headquartered in Rhode Island, US.

For a full analysis of the military helicopter market, please see: The Military Helicopter Market 2011-2021:

http://www.companiesandmarkets.com/Market-Report/the-military-helicopter-market-2011-2021-507408.asp