Boeing (NYSE:BA) is weighing up the possibility of selling at least two of its defense businesses, according to a report by Bloomberg on Tuesday.
The potential move would bolster the aircraft manufacturer's balance sheet as it struggles through its biggest crisis in years. The assets potentially for sale include Boeing's Digital Receiver Technology Inc. unit. In addition, some potential buyers have been approached about certain defense programs in the company's global services division.
Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the discussions, said financial advisers working on Boeing's behalf have reached out to potential buyers to measure the potential interest in several smaller units.
However, the efforts predate the January 5 incident that placed significant scrutiny on the company, with the publication saying they have been underway for about a year.
Furthermore, Boeing is said to have examined divesting its Argon ST subsidiary, although it put that process on hold while it assessed options for its stake in United Launch Alliance, which is co-owned with Lockheed Martin Corp.
The publication cautioned that Boeing had made no final decision and that its plans could still change as the company routinely reviews its portfolio of assets.