Textron Acquires Seller of Used Copters

Textron Inc., the biggest U.S. maker of commercial helicopters and mid-size jets, said it acquired Edwards & Associates Inc. for an undisclosed sum to expand sales of helicopter customization kits and used aircraft. Textron said Edwards will become part of its Bell Helicopter unit, which makes commercial and military helicopters. The closely held Edwards sells customization kits and accessories as well as used Bell helicopters. Edwards has sold customization kits to Bell customers for 20 years. Bristol, Tenn.-based Edwards had 1998 sales of $47 million. Textron, based in Providence, R.I., had $9.68 billion in revenue last year. Its shares fell 94 cents to close at $81.31 on the NYSE.