RNS Number:7911P
Cobham PLC
16 September 2003

                                   COBHAM PLC
                         ACQUISITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS

In addition to its Interim results reported today, Cobham plc announces two
acquisitions in Avionics which will become part of the Chelton Group, and one
significant new order:


Acquisitions

Sea Tel
On 05 September 2003 Cobham plc completed the acquisition of the entire share
capital of Sea Tel Inc based in Concord, California, for US$26 million in cash,
financed from existing resources.  Subject to certain performance criteria a
further US$8 million could be payable by 2008.

Sea Tel Inc is the largest manufacturer of commercial shipboard stabilised
antenna platforms for satellite data communications, television and weather data
in the world.  The company was founded in 1978 and the existing management will
remain in post.    Sea Tel's stabilisation systems provide voice and fax
communications, high speed data, weather and internet data at sea and television
reception in the harshest marine conditions.  The acquisition was made by
Chelton Avionics, part of the Chelton Group, which includes Omnipless Antenna
Systems (Pty) Limited, a South African company working in highly complimentary
product and market areas to Sea Tel.  Sea Tel's revenue for the six months to
June 2003 was US$17.9 million.


ERA Technology

On 10 September 2003 Cobham plc reached agreement to acquire the entire issued
share capital of ERA Technology Limited for a consideration of #20 million in
cash, to be financed from existing resources, subject to final negotiations.
Depending on certain performance criteria a further #5 million may be payable in
2005.  ERA Technology was founded in 1920 and has 300 employees.  It provides
specialist, high value added, technology-based services including design and
development, testing, assessment and expert advice.

ERA Technology will operate within the Chelton Group where it will contribute
its substantial technical talent enhancing the Group's capability.  The role to
deliver both scientific strength and technical knowledge will enable the
provision of new and innovative technology, not only into Chelton, but also
across Cobham plc.  The management team of ERA Technology will remain with the
company.  In the financial year ending 31 December 2002 ERA's turnover was #21.3
million.


New Business for Aerospace Systems

On 01 September 2003 Wallop Defence Systems won an order valued in excess of #20
million for the supply of infra-red countermeasures over a 3 year period from
BAe Systems, RO Division.  Wallop Defence Systems is part of Cobham plc's
Aerospace Systems Group.  The company is in the forefront of design and
development of expendable infra-red countermeasures to the surface-to-air and
air-to-air missile threat and supplies infra-red countermeasures to the Royal
Air Force and other major Air Forces around the world.  These countermeasures
were deployed during the recent Iraq conflict.

Allan Cook, Chief Executive, commented:

'Chelton Avionics will benefit from an extended product range and additional
market penetration from both Sea Tel and ERA Technology.  The acquisition of ERA
Technology is particularly important for Cobham, giving access to an excellent
pool of talent in a wide range of technologies.  The award of the
Countermeasures contract is also excellent news for Aerospace Systems, building
on our world class reputation in the field of IR Countermeasures..'
                                                               16 September 2003


ENQUIRIES

Cobham plc                                               Telephone 01202 882020
Allan Cook, Chief Executive
Warren Tucker, Group Financial Director

College Hill                                             Telephone 0207 457 2020
Matthew Smallwood


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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