International technology group RUAG is investing in its French partner company GAVAP, a specialist in simulation and training systems.

On 30 October 2013, GAVAP was incorporated into RUAG Holding France SAS. The acquisition is part of a regulated succession plan and will secure the continued existence of the French company with 70 employees.

Technology group RUAG and SME GAVAP have maintained a strategic partnership in the area of virtual and live simulations since 2003. Together the two companies have already implemented a number of successful projects in France. GAVAP carries out skilled maintenance work and has proven to be a reliable partner.

Simulation facilities for live or virtual training with high capacity utilization enable armed forces to make substantial savings. GAVAP's core competencies in the areas of virtual and live simulation perfectly complement the services of RUAG's Simulation & Training business unit and are part of the technology group's strategic focus on growth.

Urs Breitmeier, CEO of RUAG (photo) said: “The acquisition of GAVAP means that our customers can obtain the full range of services from a single source in the future. It also gives us the potential for growth in the medium and long term.”

Together, RUAG and GAVAP provide simulation facilities for live or virtual training which meet the needs of armed forces. Flexible functions and a wide range of additional equipment enable realistic training in all missions - from individual training programs to training for teams or entire units.

The acquisition was possible under the terms of a regulated succession plan for the family-owned company, which was founded in 1983. The purchase price is subject to a secrecy agreement. The 70 employees are to be taken over and will continue to work at the site.

RUAG is an international technology group operating in the fields of aerospace and defense. Its holding company is located in Berne, Switzerland. RUAG maintains production sites in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Sweden, Malaysia, Australia and the USA. The company employs some 7,800 people worldwide, including 5,000 in Switzerland.