Rolls sells out of helicopter JV for £250m

Rolls Royce has sold its interest in the joint venture that produces engines for the Apache and Merlin helicopters to partner Turbomeca for €293 million (£250m).

Rolls-Royce’s 50 per cent interest in the in the RTM322 helicopter engine programme will be progressively transferred to Turbomeca over three years. The French group will then hold 100 per cent of the business.

Rolls said Turbomeca will assume full responsibility for the design, production and support of the RTM322 engine, which powers the Apache, EH101 Merlin and NH90 helicopters.

The RRTM Adour engine programme, which powers the Hawk and Jaguar aircraft, is unaffected by this agreement, as are the other helicopter engine programmes in the Rolls-Royce portfolio.

The sale is expected to complete before year end, subject to closing conditions.