Rolls Royce workerRolls-Royce is to take full control of a major UK engineering business under plans to buy out its US-based partner.

Aero Engine Controls, which employs around 1,400 people in Birmingham, Derby, Belfast and Indianapolis in the United States, was formed in 2009 to combine the engine controls businesses of Rolls and Goodrich.

Its products play an important part in enhancing the fuel efficiency and overall performance of modern jet engines.

Rolls has agreed the transaction with United Technologies, which is in the process of acquiring Goodrich. No value has been placed on the deal.

The move comes as Aero Engines prepares for its move to a purpose-built research, design, development and manufacturing facility at Birmingham Business Park, Solihull.

The £60 million investment will result in its 1,100 staff in the West Midlands relocating to the new facility during 2014.

In the UK alone, the company spends £65 million a year sourcing new materials, parts and services to manufacture its systems for the aerospace sector.

Rolls said in a statement: "This acquisition will give Rolls-Royce full ownership of a critical capability that confers competitive advantage."

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