Latecoere, which said the deal reflects a 38% premium to Avcorp's closing share price on Wednesday, expects to close in the third quarter of this year.

Chief Executive Thierry Mootz said the acqusition should boost the group's opportunities in North America's defence sector.

Latecoere's stock was up around 2% in early trade. Avcorp is majority owned by Panta Holdings BV.

(Reporting by Sarah Morland)