Northrop Grumman Takes Litton for $3.8 Billion

Northrop Grumman Corp., the number five U.S. defense contractor, said on Tuesday that it has completed its $3.8 billion purchase of warship and defense electronics maker Litton Industries Inc.

Los Angeles-based Northrop, which makes high-tech weapons systems, said the purchase will solidify its defense electronics segment while adding shipbuilding and commercial electronics capabilities.

The deal cleared required U.S. and European Commission reviews late last month.

"The Litton acquisition creates a $15 billion, top-tier global defense enterprise with 80,000 employees worldwide," said a Northrop Grumman official. "With Litton, we have solidified our position in major growth segments of the 21st century defense marketplace."

Under the agreement signed by the two companies, the acquisition also includes the assumption of Litton's $1.3 billion net debt.