Aerospace & Defense Acquisitions in California

Aviation Equipment Processing (AEP) has acquired Vantage Associates, Inc., an employee-owned precision manufacturer of metal, composite and plastic aerospace components. Impact Capital Group served as exclusive advisor to Vantage; the deal brings together Vantage's composites and thermoforming capabilities with AEP's bonding, finishing, and testing expertise to expand product capabilities and accelerate growth in commercial and military aerospace markets.

Los Angeles-based aerospace and defense company Amca has acquired Payne Magnetics of Covina, California from second-generation owner Jon Payne. The deal expands Amca's power-electronics and magnetics capabilities—building on a recent Electrocube acquisition—to better serve aerospace and defense platforms and reduce supply-chain risk.

Amca, an El Segundo–based aerospace and defense company, has acquired Electrocube of Pomona, California from two of the founding families. The deal adds flight‑critical power electronics (transformers, TRUs, capacitors, EMI filters) to Amca’s capabilities; Shedd Capital advised, and Amca plans to invest in engineering and product expansion to strengthen the aerospace supply chain.

Kingswood Capital Management has completed the acquisition of Safran Passenger Innovations from Safran and the business has been renamed RAVE Aerospace. Headquartered in Brea, California, RAVE Aerospace provides in‑flight entertainment and connectivity solutions for airlines, lessors and OEMs; Kingswood says it will invest to accelerate growth, expand globally, and develop new technologies.

TransDigm Group Incorporated has acquired Stellant Systems Inc., a portfolio company of Arlington Capital Partners, for approximately $960 million in cash. Stellant, headquartered in Torrance, California, manufactures high‑power electronic components for defense, space, medical and industrial markets and employs roughly 950 people, with expected 2025 revenue of about $300 million.

Intuitive Machines (Nasdaq: LUNR) completed its acquisition of Lanteris Space Systems (formerly Maxar Space Systems) for $800 million — $450 million in cash and $350 million in Class A common stock. The purchase gives Intuitive Machines flight-proven spacecraft manufacturing capability and vertical integration to support commercial, civil and national security space programs including Golden Dome, the Space Development Agency architectures, and NASA's Artemis initiatives.

Arcline Investment Management, a growth-oriented private equity firm, completed a strategic investment in American Casting Company (ACC), a Hollister, California-based provider of engineered investment castings for aerospace, defense, medical and energy applications. ACC will continue to be led by CEO Chris St. John; Arcline plans to support expansion of the company’s capabilities and capacity to meet rising demand from OEMs reshoring mission‑critical components. Janes Capital Partners served as financial advisor to the company.

Los Angeles-based Aero Products Company has acquired Third Stone Inc., an aerospace fabric and sewn-assemblies specialist based in San Diego, California. Third Stone will operate as a division of Aero Products Company to expand sewn-fabric, materials and related manufacturing capabilities for commercial, space and defense aerospace programs.

Vitesse Systems, a Trive Capital-backed aerospace and defense platform, has acquired Spacetime Engineering, a provider of high-performance ground antenna feeds for satellite and gateway systems. The acquisition expands Vitesse’s multi-band antenna capabilities and positions the combined company to deliver broader, faster communications solutions to military and commercial satellite customers.

Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (Safran DSI) has acquired Attollo Engineering, a Camarillo, California-based developer of shortwave and midwave infrared imaging and laser sensing systems with about 60 employees. The acquisition will strengthen Safran DSI's advanced imaging and sensing capabilities for defense, aerospace and commercial customers; Attollo will continue operating in Camarillo and supply sensors and subsystems as a merchant supplier.

Trive Capital has launched Canopy Aerospace & Defense, a newly formed advanced materials platform that combines Hera Technologies Inc. and MSM Industries Inc. The Dallas-based private equity firm intends the vertically integrated platform to provide advanced insulative, absorptive and signature-reduction materials plus R&D and refurbishment services to aerospace, space and defense OEMs.

The Advanced Manufacturing Company of America (Amca) has acquired Cal-Draulics, a Corona, California-based supplier of high-precision hydraulic products for aerospace. The deal brings Cal-Draulics' engineering and manufacturing capabilities into Amca's family of aerospace suppliers and welcomes former owner Doug Johnson to Amca's engineering team to support expanded design, manufacturing and testing capacity.

General Atomics has acquired the business of MLD Technologies, LLC and will integrate it into General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS). The purchase brings MLD's expertise in ion-beam-sputtered optical coatings and laser-damage resistant thin-films into GA-EMS to support development and production of high-power laser weapon systems.

Voyager Technologies (NYSE: VOYG) acquired ElectroMagnetic Systems, Inc. (EMSI), a California-based developer of AI/ML automated target recognition software and radar simulation tools for space-based and other radar systems. The acquisition strengthens Voyager's AI-enabled ISR capabilities and expands its mission-resilient sensing and intelligence analytics offerings for defense, intelligence and space customers.

Motorola Solutions has completed its acquisition of Silvus Technologies Holdings Inc., a Los Angeles–based leader in mission‑critical mobile ad‑hoc networks (MANET). The transaction values Silvus at up to $5.0 billion including potential earnouts, with approximately $4.38 billion in cash and restricted stock consideration plus up to $600 million in performance-based earnouts.

Motorola Solutions completed its acquisition of Silvus Technologies Holdings Inc., a Los Angeles–based leader in mission-critical mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET). The deal includes approximately $4.38 billion in cash and $20 million in restricted stock up front, with up to $600 million of potential earnouts (bringing total consideration up to roughly $5.0 billion).

IonQ has completed its acquisition of Capella Space, integrating Capella's synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite capabilities with IonQ's quantum technologies. The deal positions IonQ to develop a space-based quantum key distribution (QKD) network and a quantum-enabled Earth observation platform for government and commercial customers.

Redwire Corporation completed its acquisition of Edge Autonomy, integrating Edge Autonomy's field-proven uncrewed airborne systems (UAS) technology into Redwire's aerospace and defense platform. The deal expands Redwire's manufacturing and innovation footprint, strengthens multi-domain autonomous capabilities across space and airborne operations, and is expected to be immediately accretive to revenue and Adjusted EBITDA.

Aeromed Group, a Charlotte-based alliance of aerospace distribution companies, has acquired AIReps, an Anaheim-based aerospace distributor of hardware, connectors, precision fasteners and seals. The acquisition strengthens Aeromed's West Coast presence and expands its distribution capabilities for OEMs, MROs and defense contractors.

RBC Bearings Incorporated has completed the acquisition of VACCO Industries from ESCO Technologies for $275 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments. VACCO, headquartered in South El Monte, California, manufactures precision valves, manifolds, regulators and other mission-critical components for space and naval defense channels and will be integrated into RBC's Aerospace and Defense segment.

Ultra Intelligence & Communications (Ultra I&C) has acquired San Diego-based Expeditionary Engineering, a designer and manufacturer of rugged 3U VPX hardware for airborne and expeditionary Department of Defense applications. The deal brings Expeditionary Engineering's SPOC-compliant embedded computing platforms into Ultra I&C's secure communications and software-defined systems to enhance tactical edge processing, command-and-control, and software deployment capabilities.

Avem Partners, with capital support from True West Capital Partners, a prominent family office and other investors, closed the acquisition of substantially all assets of Dynamic Aerostructures, Inc. (doing business as FMI Aerostructures) via a court-supervised Section 363 sale following the company's Chapter 11 filing. Avem intends to stabilize operations at FMI's 226,000-square-foot Valencia, California manufacturing facility, leverage customer relationships with major aerospace OEMs, and expand its aerospace and defense manufacturing footprint.

The Advanced Manufacturing Company of America (Amca), a newly formed aerospace supplier platform backed by venture investors, has acquired Electro-Mech Components of South El Monte, California. Amca launched with $76.5 million in funding to acquire and develop legacy aerospace and defense suppliers and expand its manufacturing capabilities.

Fisica, Inc., a defense products manufacturer headquartered in San Leandro, California, has acquired Space Vector Corporation, a longtime provider of high-reliability RF avionics, flight termination systems and battery solutions based in Chatsworth, California. Terms were not disclosed; Space Vector management will remain in place and the deal expands Fisica's capabilities across aircraft/UAV, missile/hypersonic, launch vehicle and satellite power and mission-critical RF systems.

Seven Point Equity Partners announced a strategic partnership with San Fernando-based Frazier Aviation; the transaction was supported by a syndicate of investors including Caltius Structured Capital (which provided debt and equity), Trinity Investors, Hall Capital Holdings, and UMB Capital Corporation. Seven Point has established Frazier Aviation International, LLC as a holding company (Brian Williams named CEO) to serve as a growth platform to expand product offerings and manufacturing capabilities organically and via targeted acquisitions; Bob Frazier will continue to lead Frazier Aviation as a subsidiary.

T2S Solutions, a mission-focused defense and space technology provider backed by Madison Dearborn Partners, has acquired Blue Marble Communications, a San Diego-based designer and manufacturer of space‑qualified communications and computing technologies. The deal expands T2S' capabilities and scale in high‑performance satellite communications, optical terminals, RF modems, and onboard processing to serve U.S. national security and commercial space markets.

Novaria Group has acquired Bandy Manufacturing, LLC from private equity owner JW Hill Capital. Bandy, a longtime producer of precision aerospace hinges and pins based in Burbank, California, will continue operations under President Roger Seaman; terms were not disclosed.

TransDigm Group Inc. has acquired Wyvern Technologies, Inc. in a deal announced December 5, 2024. The acquisition is intended to strengthen TransDigm’s aerospace and defense electronics capabilities and bolster its lifecycle sustainment offerings for military and defense customers.

Signia Aerospace, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, has completed the acquisition of the Goodrich Hoist & Winch business from Collins Aerospace (an RTX Corporation business). The business will be rebranded as Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch, remain headquartered in Anaheim, California, and operate within Signia's Mission Systems unit alongside other Signia brands; an adjacent MRO/spares facility is planned to be fully operational by end of 2025.

Lockheed Martin has completed its acquisition of Terran Orbital and its subsidiary Tyvak International, adding small-satellite manufacturing, mission services, and modular spacecraft platforms to Lockheed's Space business. The deal brings Terran Orbital's engineering, production sites, and mission capabilities into Lockheed Martin to accelerate development and fielding of mission-ready spacecraft for commercial, civil and national security customers.

Sverica Capital Management made a strategic growth investment in Electronic Source Company (ESC), a Van Nuys, California-based provider of high-reliability circuit card assemblies and turnkey electronics for aerospace, defense and space programs. ESC's management will remain in place, Sverica partners and industry veteran Steve Stone will join the board, and the capital will support ESC's growth and capability expansion into advanced defense and space electronics.

Red Cat Holdings (Nasdaq: RCAT) has closed the acquisition of FlightWave Aerospace Systems, bringing FlightWave’s Edge 130 Blue military-grade VTOL tricopter and related sensors/software into Red Cat’s product portfolio. The deal expands Red Cat’s family of unmanned systems and adds a new defense-focused revenue stream while enabling ramped manufacturing of the Edge 130.

StandardAero has acquired Aero Turbine, Inc., a Stockton, California-based provider of military engine and accessories MRO services, from Gallant Capital Partners. The acquisition strengthens StandardAero's military engine and component repair capabilities and adds a fully integrated 60,000+ sq. ft. Stockton facility and nearly 200 technicians to its network.

Redwire Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Hera Systems, a San Jose–based spacecraft developer focused on national security space missions. The acquisition is intended to expand Redwire's spacecraft portfolio and capabilities in GEO and other orbits to support national security customers; Hera reported $15 million in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023.

The Anderson Group formed an aerospace platform, OMI Specialty Products, that consolidated its existing portfolio company CTCOA, LLC d/b/a Olympic Aviation with the acquisition of MetalMart International, Inc. The combined platform will be led by CEO Ali Dadvar and will bring together complementary distribution capabilities in aircraft replacement parts, chemicals and specialty metals to create an aerospace distribution platform and pursue future add-on acquisitions.

Crewe Capital advised private investment firm Aero-mark, LLC in the sale of Certified Aviation Services, LLC (CAS), a U.S.-based aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services provider. The buyer was not disclosed in public announcements; CAS provides line maintenance, modifications, recoveries and component services to fleet operators, lessors and OEMs.

Funds managed by Greenbriar Equity Group completed the acquisition of Sunvair Aerospace Group, a U.S.-based aircraft component MRO specialist, from Blue Sea Capital. Greenbriar said the investment will support Sunvair's organic growth and acquisition strategy to expand its engineered MRO capabilities across landing gear, avionics and accessory repairs.

Joby Aviation acquired the autonomy division of Xwing, Inc., purchasing Xwing’s automation and autonomy technology with Joby shares. The deal brings Xwing’s perception, sensor-fusion, and flight-decisioning expertise into Joby to accelerate Joby’s automation roadmap and support existing and future Department of Defense contracts.

Lee Aerospace has acquired Llamas Plastics, Inc., a family-owned manufacturer of aircraft transparencies headquartered in Los Angeles (Sylmar), California. The deal, facilitated by Keystone Business Advisors, gives Lee Aerospace direct entry into the military aerospace transparency market, diversifies its product line and increases production capacity.

Quantic Electronics, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, has acquired M-Wave Design, a supplier of ferrite-based RF and microwave passive components used in aerospace, defense and quantum computing applications. The acquisition is an add-on to Quantic's electronics portfolio and expands its product capabilities in high-performance, cryogenic-capable components for military, space and quantum customers.

Special Aerospace Services (SAS), the space engineering and defense technology platform backed by Godspeed Capital, has acquired Quintron Systems from Fernandez Holdings. The add-on expands SAS' capabilities in secure communications, network and AV systems for NASA, Department of Defense, commercial space and other government customers; Quintron president Dominick Barry will become SAS COO.

NB Capital Solutions, with additional funds advised by Neuberger Berman, has made a significant minority recapitalization investment in FDH Aero. The transaction provides FDH with growth capital for organic and inorganic initiatives and partial liquidity to the existing investor base while Audax Private Equity remains the control investor.

Hartzell Propeller, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, has acquired WhirlWind Propellers Corporation to expand its product offering into light‑sport, experimental and unmanned aircraft markets. WhirlWind's founder Jim Rust will join Hartzell to support rapid prototyping and composite systems development.

Albion River LLC, through its affiliate Ignium LP, disclosed it has increased its ownership in Ducommun Incorporated (NYSE: DCO) to over 9.2% and says it has made a bid valuing the company at $60 per share. Albion criticized Ducommun's board for declaring the company "not for sale," said it plans to engage directly with shareholders, and urged board-level actions to align management incentives with a $60 strike price.

An investment affiliate of J.F. Lehman & Company has acquired Mission Microwave Technologies, a Cypress, California-based maker of solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) and block upconverters (BUCs) for satellite communications. Debt financing for the transaction was led by Barings and co-led by PennantPark and SMBC; prior majority shareholders (affiliates of GaAs Labs LLC), founders and management will remain material shareholders.

Hybrid-electric propulsion developer Ampaire has acquired California-based aero tow startup Magpie Aviation. Ampaire said it will integrate Magpie's electric aero-tow concept and continue development under Magpie's existing contract with the U.S. Air Force (AFWERX Agility Prime), expanding Ampaire's capabilities for defense and advanced air mobility applications.

RTC Aerospace LLC, a Stellex Capital Management-backed precision manufacturer, has acquired Vanderhorst Brothers Industries (VBI), a family-run precision machining shop in Simi Valley, California. The add-on expands RTC's capabilities and Southern California presence to better serve aerospace, defense and space OEM and Tier 1 customers; financial terms were not disclosed.

Crane Company has acquired Vian Enterprises, Inc. for approximately $103 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis. Vian, a designer and manufacturer of multi-stage lubrication pumps and lubrication system components for aerospace and defense, reported trailing 12-month sales of about $33 million and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $8 million; Crane said the acquisition expands its Aerospace & Electronics fluid solution capabilities and is expected to be immediately accretive to segment margins.

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.

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.