Boeing Explores Disposal of Some Defense Assets Amid Crisis (1)

Boeing Co. has been exploring the sale of at least two of its defense businesses, as the beleaguered aircraft manufacturer fights through its biggest crisis in years.

Financial advisers have contacted potential buyers on Boeing’s behalf to gauge interest in several smaller units, according to people familiar with the discussions, who asked not to be identified because the deliberations are confidential. The efforts have been underway for about a year, predating the Jan. 5 accident that has placed the planemaker under intense scrutiny, one of the people said.

Assets potentially on the block include Boeing’s Digital Receiver Technology Inc. unit, ...