Babcock named preferred bidder in sale of British defense unit LONDON, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- British engineering firm Babcock has been identified as the preferred bidder for purchase of a unit of the Ministry of Defense's Defense Support Group. Negotiations between Babcock and the MOD will now continue before a deal is struck and a contract signed for the group's land business, which is responsible for the maintenance and repair of systems such as armored vehicles. "Today's announcement is a key milestone in the sale process, and we remain on schedule to complete the sale of the Defense Support Group by the end of March next year," said Minister for Defense Equipment, Science and Technology Philip Dunne. This has been a competitive process which is on track to deliver improved vehicle availability for the British Army at better value to the taxpayer over years to come. I expect to be in a position to release further details of the winning proposition in the New Year once contract negotiations have concluded. The government said last year it intended to sell the Defense Support Group unit to reduce costs and focus resources on the front line.