Thales UK to sell simulator arm for £83m
One of Crawley's biggest employers is selling a part of its business to an American rival for £83m.
Thales UK is to sell its fixed-wing aircraft simulator production business and an aircrew training centre in Bangkok, Thailand.
The company said all 400 West Sussex staff employed in civil aircraft training and simulation work would be transferred to L-3 Communications.
The sale is expected to be completed during the summer.
Consultation has started with the staff affected.
Thales UK employs 2,500 people in Crawley, including the 400 staff in the business being sold.
Marion Broughton, head of Thales UK's aerospace business, said: "Thales will continue to develop its military system capabilities, which remain part of our key product portfolio.
"However we feel that L-3 Communications Link Simulation and Training UK Ltd will be better placed to maximise the potential of the civil simulation business."
Thales UK said that it would continue to develop its military and government simulation and training business as well as for civil and military helicopters.