Aerospace & Defense Acquisitions in 2015

Aero 3, Inc., together with its wholly owned subsidiary AeroRepair Corp., acquired the Wheel & Brake Division of Avianor, Inc., expanding Aero 3's MRO footprint into Canada. The acquisition adds Montreal and Calgary facilities, increases capacity and broadens AeroRepair's capability to service Boeing and Airbus narrow- and wide-body aircraft as part of an add-on growth strategy.

Liberty Hall Capital Partners has acquired LaCroix Industries Inc., a Kent, Washington-based Tier II supplier of formed and machined aerospace parts, and will integrate the business into its Accurus Aerospace platform. The add-on expands Accurus's sheet-metal forming and complementary machining capabilities, strengthens relationships with Boeing, and extends Accurus's geographic footprint into the Pacific Northwest.

JLL Partners, a middle-market private equity firm, has acquired Point Blank Enterprises from an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners. Headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida, Point Blank is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of ballistic and soft armor systems serving U.S. military, law enforcement and international customers; JLL said it will support the company's organic growth and pursue M&A opportunities.

Wencor Group has acquired PHS/MWA Aviation Services, a FAA/EASA-certified aircraft component repair station based in Temecula, California. The acquisition (terms not disclosed) expands Wencor's Soundair Aviation Services affiliate by broadening repair capabilities and international market presence; Alderman & Company Capital served as financial advisor to the sellers.

Onex Corporation has completed its investment in Advanced Integration Technology (AIT), a provider of automation and tooling, maintenance services and aircraft components to the aerospace industry. The deal is the first investment from Onex Partners IV and expands Onex’s exposure to aerospace manufacturing and automation capabilities.