Written question asked by Christopher Chope (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 February 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 February 2021 (named day). It was answered by Paul Scully (Conservative) on Monday, 8 February 2021 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Advent International: Cobham

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the legally binding undertakings given to the Government by Advent International when its purchase of Cobham was agreed in 2020 remain valid in respect of Cobham Mission Systems following the further sale of that business by Advent International to Eaton; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Government has been following closely the sale of Cobham Mission Systems to Eaton Corporation plc. The undertakings given to the Government by Advent International when it purchased Cobham in 2020 do not prevent the sale of the whole or parts of Cobham by Advent International. As a result of the sale of Cobham Mission Systems, Advent International is no longer bound by the undertakings in respect of Cobham Mission Systems. Any safeguards to address concerns arising from the sale of Cobham Mission Systems will be considered separately with the new owners.

Secondary information