Aerospace & Defense Add-on Acquisitions in 2023

  • Buyer
    Flightcheck Commercial Aviation Services, Lineage Capital
    Target
    Keenan Technical Industries
    Type
    Addon

    Lineage Capital-backed Flightcheck Commercial Aviation Services acquired Keenan Technical Industries (KTI), a provider of aircraft line maintenance services at Bradley International Airport (BDL) and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT). The transaction closed on December 15, 2023 and expands Flightcheck's line maintenance footprint into the U.S. Northeast as an add-on to its existing platform.

  • Buyer
    AEFP Group, Emko Capital
    Target
    Johnson Precision Products
    Type
    Addon

    AEFP Group, a North American precision parts and assemblies platform backed by Emko Capital, has acquired Johnson Precision Products of Santa Ana, California and named industry veteran Joe DeMartino as CEO of the group. The add-on strengthens AEFP Group’s hydraulics and fuel-systems component capabilities and expands its electro-mechanical assembly offerings for aerospace and defense customers.

  • Buyer
    BlueHalo, Arlington Capital Partners
    Target
    Ipsolon Research
    Type
    Addon

    BlueHalo, a portfolio company of Arlington Capital Partners, has acquired Ipsolon Research, a designer and manufacturer of ultra-small form factor software defined radios (SDRs). The acquisition will integrate Ipsolon's SDR hardware and software capabilities into BlueHalo's product portfolio to accelerate prototyping, expand capabilities for mission-critical defense applications, and better serve Department of Defense customers.

  • Buyer
    Aero 3, Inc., GenNx360 Capital Partners
    Target
    Skywheels, Ltd.
    Seller
    Neil Morris (co-owner of Skywheels)
    Location
    Cheshire, United Kingdom
    Type
    Addon

    Aero 3, Inc., a GenNx360 Capital Partners portfolio company and parent of AeroRepair, Aircrafters and Hemico, has acquired Skywheels Ltd., a Cheshire, England-based wheel and brake repair and overhaul provider for the aviation industry. The acquisition adds a U.K./EMEA footprint to Aero 3's existing North American network and is intended to expand Aero 3's product, parts exchange and MRO capabilities across Europe.

  • Buyer
    Graham Corporation
    Target
    P3 Technologies, LLC
    Seller
    Sole owner (name not disclosed)
    Type
    Addon

    Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM) acquired P3 Technologies, a Jupiter, Florida-based custom turbomachinery engineering and manufacturing business, in a stock-and-cash bolt-on transaction to expand its turbomachinery capabilities and proprietary technology. P3 generated approximately $6.0 million of revenue in fiscal 2023 and brings patented technologies (MCD and SCAMP) and an $8 million backlog; the stock portion of the purchase price is valued at $2.0 million (stock priced using a $15.92 average).

  • Buyer
    Signia Aerospace, Arcline Investment Management
    Target
    Meeker Aviation, Airfilm Camera Systems
    Type
    Addon

    Signia Aerospace, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, has acquired Meeker Aviation and Airfilm Camera Systems. The deal adds Meeker's aircraft external payload mounts and Airfilm's camera systems to Signia's Mission Systems segment, expanding its mission-specific equipment offerings for military, utility, law enforcement and production customers.

  • Buyer
    West Star Aviation, The Sterling Group
    Target
    Jet East
    Seller
    Gama Aviation
    Location
    United States
    Type
    Addon

    West Star Aviation, a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, has acquired Jet East from Gama Aviation. The deal brings together two business-aviation MRO providers to expand geographic coverage, AOG/mobile capabilities, and heavy- and line-maintenance services (transaction announced in Nov 2023; reported sale price ~US$131 million).

  • Buyer
    Eqlipse Technologies, Arlington Capital Partners
    Target
    SR Technologies
    Type
    Addon

    Eqlipse Technologies, a portfolio company of Arlington Capital Partners, has agreed to acquire SR Technologies (SRT), a provider of signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic warfare (EW) products and engineering solutions. The add-on acquisition expands Eqlipse's technical capabilities for Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and federal law enforcement customers; financial terms were not disclosed and the deal was expected to close in Q4 2023.

  • Buyer
    Fairbanks Morse Defense, Arcline Investment Management
    Target
    American Fan
    Type
    Addon

    Fairbanks Morse Defense (an Arcline portfolio company) has acquired American Fan, a Fairfield, Ohio-based maker of axial and centrifugal fans. The add-on expands FMD’s OEM product and service capabilities for naval and marine customers, integrating American Fan’s fans (specified in 30 U.S. Navy shipbuilding programs) into FMD’s turnkey marine solutions.

  • Buyer
    Heads Up Technologies, JLL Partners
    Target
    ALTO Aviation
    Type
    Addon

    Heads Up Technologies, a portfolio company backed by JLL Partners, has acquired ALTO Aviation, a Sterling, Massachusetts-based designer and manufacturer of premium OEM and aftermarket cabin audio and cabin management systems. The acquisition expands Heads Up's product portfolio and strengthens its presence in the OEM and aftermarket business aviation markets.

  • Buyer
    Stellant Systems, Inc., Arlington Capital Partners
    Target
    Power Systems Technology (PST) product line (Comtech Telecommunications Corp.)
    Seller
    Comtech Telecommunications Corp.
    Type
    Addon

    Stellant Systems, a portfolio company of Arlington Capital Partners, agreed to acquire Comtech Telecommunications' Power Systems Technology (PST) product line for a total cash purchase price of $40 million (including up to $5 million contingent consideration). The deal strengthens Stellant's RF amplification portfolio — adding Gallium Nitride solid-state power capabilities and complementary customers and workforce — while Comtech will use the proceeds to reduce debt and de-lever its balance sheet.

  • Buyer
    Machine Specialties, Inc., Calvert Street Capital Partners
    Target
    Cambridge Specialty Company, Inc.
    Seller
    Peter Campanelli
    Type
    Addon

    Calvert Street Capital Partners portfolio company Machine Specialties, Inc. has acquired Cambridge Specialty Company, Inc., a Berlin, Connecticut-based precision manufacturer of flight-critical aerospace, defense and space components. The add-on expands MSI's capacity and capabilities, providing customer and service diversification while supporting growth initiatives.

  • Buyer
    Trexon, Audax Private Equity
    Target
    C.E. Precision Assemblies, Inc.
    Seller
    Paul Ross
    Type
    Addon

    Trexon, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, has completed the acquisition of C.E. Precision Assemblies, Inc. (CEPA), a Chandler, Arizona-based manufacturer of RF/microwave cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and electromechanical solutions. The add-on expands Trexon's Engineered Products group's capabilities and strengthens its presence in military and aerospace end markets; the business was sold by former owner Paul Ross.

  • Buyer
    Frontgrade Technologies, Veritas Capital
    Target
    Aethercomm
    Type
    Addon

    Frontgrade Technologies, a portfolio company of Veritas Capital, has completed the acquisition of Aethercomm, a designer and manufacturer of high-power RF solid state power amplifiers and RF switches. Aethercomm will operate as a division rebranded Frontgrade Aethercomm, with founder Todd Thornton and the management team remaining and Thornton serving as General Manager; the deal expands Frontgrade's RF and antenna capabilities for aerospace and defense customers.

  • Buyer
    LightRidge Solutions, ATL Partners
    Target
    Trident Systems
    Type
    Addon

    LightRidge Solutions, a portfolio company of ATL Partners, has acquired Trident Systems, a provider of high-performance space electronics and C4ISR solutions. The add-on deal — terms not disclosed — expands LightRidge's capabilities in space mission computing, increases Trident's production capacity, and brings complementary engineering talent into the LightRidge platform.

  • Buyer
    New State Aviation Holdings, New State Capital Partners
    Target
    Finnoff Aviation Products
    Type
    Addon

    New State Capital Partners’ aviation platform, New State Aviation Holdings (NS Aviation), has acquired Finnoff Aviation Products, a Broomfield, Colorado–based provider of engine, propeller and avionics upgrades for the Pilatus PC-12. Finnoff’s founder and management will remain with the company; the deal is an add-on to NS Aviation’s existing aviation portfolio (including Blackhawk Aerospace and AVEX) and terms were not disclosed.

  • Buyer
    O2 Investment Partners, FCAH Aerospace
    Target
    Cobalt Aero Services
    Type
    Addon

    O2 Investment Partners has invested through its platform FCAH Aerospace to acquire Cobalt Aero Services, a licensed FAA/EASA repair station specializing in nacelle, thrust reverser, and airframe component MRO. The deal adds complementary depot-level repair capabilities to the FCAH platform, supporting geographic expansion, capability enhancement, and increased service offerings to commercial, cargo, and defense customers.

  • Buyer
    SilverEdge Government Solutions, Godspeed Capital
    Target
    Gardetto Engineering, LLC
    Type
    Addon

    SilverEdge Government Solutions, a Godspeed Capital-backed defense-focused platform, has acquired Gardetto Engineering, a Maryland-based engineering services firm specializing in digital signal processing, hardware design, and systems engineering. The acquisition strengthens SilverEdge's digital and hardware engineering capabilities to support U.S. Defense and Intelligence community customers; terms were not disclosed.

  • Buyer
    Maury Microwave, Inc.
    Target
    Wireless Telecom Group, Inc.
    Type
    Addon

    Maury Microwave, backed by Artemis Capital Partners, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wireless Telecom Group, Inc. (WTT), including its Boonton, Holzworth and Noisecom divisions, in a deal expected to close in Q3 2023 subject to shareholder approval and customary conditions. The acquisition expands Maury's RF test and measurement capabilities and access to end markets including aerospace, defense, satellite communications, semiconductors and emerging applications such as quantum and directed energy; WTT will continue to operate from its New Jersey headquarters under its current leadership.

  • Buyer
    Bernhard Capital Partners
    Target
    Duotech Services, Inc.
    Type
    Addon

    Bernhard Capital Partners has agreed to acquire Duotech Services, a Franklin, North Carolina-based provider of repair, remanufacturing, and engineering solutions for radar and related systems, to expand its newly launched government services platform. Terms were not disclosed; Duotech will retain its headquarters and management team and will join Bernhard Capital's government services platform alongside the Federal & Defense business of VSE Corporation.

  • Buyer
    FDH Aero, Audax Private Equity
    Target
    BJG Electronics Group
    Seller
    Rockwood Equity Partners
    Type
    Addon

    FDH Aero, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, has acquired BJG Electronics Group from Rockwood Equity Partners. The deal adds BJG’s interconnect and electromechanical product distribution and value‑added manufacturing capabilities to FDH’s electronics offering, creating FDH Aero Electronic Products Group to expand supply‑chain solutions for aerospace, defense and space customers.

  • Buyer
    FCAH Aerospace, O2 Investment Partners
    Target
    Air Cargo Equipment
    Location
    United States
    Type
    Addon

    O2 Investment Partners, through its platform FCAH Aerospace, has made an investment in and partnered with Air Cargo Equipment to support the latter’s growth. The deal adds FAA- and EASA-certified cargo system repair, overhaul, exchange and parts sales capabilities to FCAH’s aftermarket and MRO platform, strengthening its cargo system services offering.

  • Buyer
    Chesapeake Technology International, Inc. (CTI), Bluestone Investment Partners
    Target
    Rapid Imaging Technologies LLC
    Type
    Addon

    Chesapeake Technology International, Inc. (CTI), a portfolio company of Bluestone Investment Partners, has acquired Rapid Imaging Technologies LLC to strengthen CTI’s situational awareness and video analytics capabilities for defense and intelligence customers. The acquisition brings Rapid Imaging’s patented real-time geospatial imaging technology into CTI’s offerings and supports CTI’s organic and M&A growth strategy under Bluestone’s ownership.

  • Buyer
    BlueHalo, Arlington Capital Partners
    Target
    Verus Technology Group, Inc.
    Type
    Addon

    BlueHalo, an Arlington Capital Partners portfolio company, has acquired Verus Technology Group, a developer of RF- and DSP-based counter‑UAS (c‑UAS) systems including the SkyView product line. The acquisition is a strategic add-on to BlueHalo’s existing c‑UAS, directed energy, and perimeter security capabilities to expand its RF detection, identification, and tracking offerings for DoD, intelligence, commercial, and international customers.

  • Buyer
    Nexus Capital Management LP, HDT Global
    Target
    Aviation Ground Equipment Corp.
    Type
    Addon

    Nexus Capital Management LP and HDT Global have acquired Aviation Ground Equipment Corp. (AGEC), a veteran-owned manufacturer and distributor of aviation ground support equipment. The deal was structured as a new entity within the HDT portfolio to expand HDT's aircraft ground power and thermal management capabilities for military and commercial aviation programs, including support for F-35 and B-21 programs.

  • Buyer
    Iten Defense, Edgewater Capital Partners
    Target
    Transparent Armor Solutions
    Type
    Addon

    Iten Defense, a portfolio company of Edgewater Capital Partners, has acquired Transparent Armor Solutions. The add-on expands Iten Defense's product offering to include transparent armor for ground vehicles, maritime applications, and personal protective viewports, strengthening its capabilities for Department of Defense and infrastructure programs.

  • Buyer
    Odyssey Aviation U.S., Granite Creek Capital Partners, L.L.C., Everside Capital
    Target
    Golden Isles Aviation
    Type
    Addon

    Odyssey Aviation U.S. has acquired Golden Isles Aviation, the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) serving McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport (SSI) in St. Simons Island, Georgia. The acquisition expands Odyssey's FBO network and was financed by private investment firms Granite Creek Capital Partners and Everside Capital; Golden Isles' CEO Larry Wade will join Odyssey as a partner and board member.

  • Buyer
    Signia Aerospace, Arcline Investment Management
    Target
    Lifesaving Systems Corp.
    Type
    Addon

    Signia Aerospace, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, has acquired Lifesaving Systems Corp., a Florida-based supplier of helicopter and maritime rescue and survival equipment. The acquisition expands Signia's Mission Systems capabilities by adding Lifesaving Systems' rescue hooks, harnesses, litters and other maritime rescue products to its Onboard Systems business for cross-selling and operational integration.

  • Buyer
    Altamira Technologies Corporation
    Target
    Virginia Systems & Technology, Inc. (VaST)
    Type
    Addon

    Altamira Technologies Corporation has completed the acquisition of Virginia Systems & Technology, Inc. (VaST), a Warrenton, Virginia-based signals intelligence (SIGINT) mission company. The deal expands Altamira’s SIGINT capabilities and brings VaST’s mission-focused engineering, TCPED expertise, and national security customers into Altamira’s portfolio (Altamira is PE-backed and serves as the platform for this add-on).

  • Buyer
    First Class Air Holdings, O2 Investment Partners
    Target
    AVI Aviation (Aviation Inflatables, Inc.; Survival Products, Inc.)
    Seller
    Angie Alvarez, German Alvarez
    Type
    Addon

    First Class Air Holdings (a portfolio company of O2 Investment Partners) made an investment in AVI Aviation, the holding company for Aviation Inflatables, Inc. and Survival Products, Inc., expanding FCAH’s aerospace aftermarket capabilities. AVI is an FAA/EASA Part 21 manufacturer and Part 145 licensed repair station specializing in MRO and manufacturing of aircraft emergency equipment and is headquartered in Sunrise, Florida.

  • Buyer
    Highlander Partners, L.P.
    Target
    Black Sage Technologies
    Seller
    Acorn Growth Companies
    Type
    Addon

    Highlander Partners, through its defense-focused division High Point Aerotechnologies, acquired Black Sage Technologies from Acorn Growth Companies. Black Sage, a Boise-based developer and integrator of Counter-UAS hardware and its DefenseOS C2 software, will complement Highlander’s growing C-UAS platform and expand capabilities for military, internal security, and critical infrastructure customers.

  • Buyer
    JETNET
    Target
    ADS-B Exchange
    Type
    Addon

    JETNET, a Silversmith Capital Partners–backed provider of aviation data and market intelligence, has acquired ADS-B Exchange, a widely used network of ADS-B/Mode S/MLAT feeders and supplier of real-time and historical flight data. The deal expands JETNET's flight-data capabilities and product offerings for MRO, airport operations, leasing and other aviation end markets; ADS-B Exchange will continue to serve both enthusiast and commercial customers.

  • Buyer
    LifePort, LLC, Tower Arch Capital
    Target
    PAC Seating Systems, LLC
    Seller
    Existing owners/operators (Jad Azzi and Hector Marini)
    Type
    Addon

    LifePort, a portfolio company of Tower Arch Capital, has acquired PAC Seating Systems, a Palm City, Florida-based manufacturer of custom seating solutions for the business jet and VIP aerospace market. The deal expands LifePort's interiors and dynamic seating capabilities and geographic reach; existing PAC Seating operators Jad Azzi and Hector Marini will remain as investors and leaders in the combined business.

  • Buyer
    AIM MRO Holdings, LLC, AE Industrial Partners, LP
    Target
    Tribologix
    Type
    Addon

    AE Industrial Partners-backed AIM MRO Holdings, LLC acquired Tribologix, a Golden, Colorado-based developer of engineered dry film lubricants and surface coatings for extreme environments. Terms were not disclosed; Tribologix CEO Ben Ehrens will remain with the business as a consultant and the deal expands AIM MRO's capabilities in aerospace-grade surface coatings.

  • Buyer
    Epiq Solutions, Veritas Capital (Vantage Fund)
    Target
    Xiphos Systems Corporation
    Location
    Quebec, Canada
    Type
    Addon

    Epiq Solutions, a portfolio company of The Veritas Capital Vantage Fund, completed the acquisition of Montreal-based Xiphos Systems Corporation, a provider of high-performance, space-focused embedded computing solutions. Xiphos will join the Epiq platform and continue to operate under its current leadership in Montreal as the combined businesses expand Epiq’s low-power, open-architecture processing capabilities into space and other mission-critical environments; financial terms were not disclosed.

  • Buyer
    George Industries, Behrman Capital
    Target
    Alexander Machine & Tool Company
    Type
    Addon

    George Industries, a portfolio company of Behrman Capital, has combined with Alexander Machine & Tool Company (AM&T). The transaction (terms not disclosed) brings AM&T’s precision machining, brazing and thermal-management capabilities into the George Industries platform as Behrman Capital invests additional equity; AM&T’s president Tammy Soper will continue to lead the business post-transaction.

  • Buyer
    New State Aviation Holdings, New State Capital Partners
    Target
    Blackhawk Aerospace
    Type
    Addon

    New State Aviation Holdings, a general aviation platform sponsored by New State Capital Partners, has acquired Blackhawk Aerospace, a Waco, Texas-based leader in turboprop engine upgrades and aircraft performance improvements. Blackhawk will join NS Aviation's aviation portfolio alongside AVEX and continue to operate independently with its management team remaining in place; terms were not disclosed.

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