Aerospace & Defense Acquisitions in Ohio

Ventus Industrial Partners, in partnership with GenNx360 Capital Partners and Admiralty Partners, formed a new platform, Aeron Defense, and acquired General Tool Company and Magna Machine to create a consolidated defense manufacturing group. The Kramer family became minority shareholders in Aeron as the two Ohio-based machining and assembly businesses are unified to expand capacity and capabilities for major U.S. defense primes.

Veryon has acquired EBIS from Tronair to expand its aviation maintenance software portfolio and add ground support equipment (GSE) asset management capabilities. The deal integrates EBIS’s MRO and GSE maintenance management solutions into Veryon’s platform to provide a unified, AI-driven maintenance and asset management offering for airlines, FBOs, Part 145 repair stations, and other operators.

Novaria Group has acquired Precision Aero Corp (PAC), the fusible plug and specialty aftermarket components business previously owned by Precision Products Machining Group (PPMG). PAC will continue to operate from its Troy, Ohio facility with existing site leadership, and the acquisition expands Novaria's portfolio of safety-critical aerospace components and material-science capabilities.

Moog Inc. has acquired COTSWORKS Inc., a Cleveland-based manufacturer of rugged fiber optic transceivers and assemblies, for $63 million in a deal paid with cash and shares of Moog Class A common stock. The acquisition strengthens Moog's space and defense components portfolio by integrating COTSWORKS' high-bandwidth, compact optical connectivity technologies and supports development of next-generation integrated electronics and data network solutions for aerospace and defense customers.

Premier Private Jets has acquired the ASI fixed-base operation (FBO) at Dayton International Airport and will rebrand it into its PremierFBO network. The deal preserves the ASI staff, expands Premier’s FBO capacity and MRO capabilities in the Dayton hub, and supports increased traffic including larger charter operations such as sports-team charters.

Atlantic Jet Partners, a Pompano Beach-based business jet supplier, has acquired Great Lakes Turbines Inc., a turbine parts manufacturer and FAA-approved MRO based in the greater Toledo, Ohio area. The deal expands Atlantic Jet Partners’ manufacturing, repair and testing capabilities and follows the company’s announcement of FAA STC ST04742NY for the Skyview 1000 cockpit upgrade.

Core4ce, a Virginia-based federal contractor, has acquired Azimuth Corporation, a Dayton-area provider of R&D, database and modeling, and lab support for military electronics, sensors and biotech. The deal combines Core4ce's data-driven national security capabilities with Azimuth's AAIM lab and R&D expertise to expand ISR, AI/ML, threat protection and warfighter support capabilities.

Dedienne Aerospace has acquired The Champion GSE, a Springfield, Ohio-based designer and manufacturer of containers and ground support equipment, strengthening Dedienne's industrial presence in the United States. The acquisition will support investments to modernize and double The Champion GSE's production capacity while expanding product and technology offerings for aerospace, defense, and energy customers.

Cognizant has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Belcan, a global supplier of engineering R&D and digital engineering services, for approximately $1.3 billion in cash and stock. The acquisition expands Cognizant's ER&D capabilities and establishes a leadership position in the aerospace & defense market while preserving Belcan's brand and leadership under CEO Lance Kwasniewski.

CUBRC, a Buffalo-based independent scientific not-for-profit, has acquired Ahmic Aerospace, a Dayton-based engineering firm and producer of aerospace instrumentation. Terms were not disclosed and Ahmic will continue to operate in Dayton; the deal enhances CUBRC's measurement, test and evaluation capabilities for DoD and other aerospace customers.

Chesapeake Technology International, a portfolio company of Bluestone Investment Partners, has acquired Asymmetric Technologies LLC to expand CTI’s product portfolio with Asymmetric’s IronClad and Whisper solutions. The add-on acquisition strengthens CTI’s capabilities in flight autonomy, edge communications, and NDAA-compliant hardware/software for Department of Defense and national security customers.

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.

Arcline Investment Management, a growth-oriented private equity firm, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Hartzell Aviation from Tailwind Technologies. Hartzell, headquartered in Piqua, Ohio, designs and manufactures aircraft propellers and engine accessories through its Hartzell Propeller and Hartzell Engine Tech business units; Arcline said the acquisition fits its strategy of investing in critical suppliers and will support the company's next phase of growth.

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.

Voyager Space announced the acquisition of ZIN Technologies, Inc., a Northeast Ohio-based aerospace engineering, design and integration firm with decades of experience supporting NASA, national security agencies, and commercial aerospace customers. The purchase expands Voyager's engineering, manufacturing and human-rated spaceflight capabilities to support its Starlab efforts and broader space infrastructure portfolio.

LinQuest Corporation has completed the acquisition of Capability Analysis & Measurement Organization, LLC (CAMO), a Beavercreek, Ohio‑based provider of RDT&E, test & evaluation, and mission analysis services for USSOCOM and other DoD customers. The deal expands LinQuest’s systems‑integration and rapid prototyping capabilities to better deliver integrated, tested solutions for national security customers.

LinQuest Corporation has acquired Hellebore Consulting Group, a Beavercreek, Ohio-based DevSecOps and software engineering firm that supports Air Force and Department of Defense missions. The acquisition strengthens LinQuest's software development and mission-systems capabilities for AFLCMC and other Dayton-area defense customers.

Kaman Corporation completed the acquisition of the Parker-Hannifin Aircraft Wheel & Brake Division on September 16, 2022. The Avon, Ohio-based division (Aircraft Wheel & Brake) expands Kaman's engineered products portfolio and increases its exposure to aerospace and defense end markets while providing aftermarket and OEM wheel, brake and hydraulic capabilities.

HEICO Corporation’s Flight Support Group acquired a 96% stake in Accurate Metal Machining, Inc., a Cleveland-based manufacturer of high-reliability components for aerospace, defense and semiconductor equipment, for cash at closing plus potential additional performance-based consideration. Accurate, founded in 1976 and employing approximately 250 people, will continue to be led by its existing management and remain largely unchanged operationally while adding capabilities to HEICO's Specialty Products Group.

Karman Space & Defense, backed by private equity firm Trive Capital, acquired the MG Resin family of ultra-high temperature resin technologies from Cornerstone Research Group (CRG). The deal expands Karman's vertically integrated composite and carbon/carbon manufacturing capabilities for aerospace, defense and hypersonic applications and aims to accelerate commercialization of high-temp materials for OEMs in those supply chains.

Applied Composites Holdings, the aerospace composites platform backed by AE Industrial Partners, acquired The Companies of North Coast (North Coast Composites and North Coast Tool & Mold) from Unitech Holdings. The add-on strengthens Applied Composites' RTM and tooling capabilities to better serve aerospace, defense and space OEM customers; terms were not disclosed.

Fairbanks Morse Defense (a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management) has acquired Federal Equipment Company, a designer and manufacturer of mission-critical shipboard cargo elevators, engineered doors, and material handling systems. The add-on expands FMD's manufacturing and service capabilities for shipyard, defense and industrial customers, with particular emphasis on support for the U.S. Nuclear Navy.

Fairbanks Morse Defense, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, has acquired Hunt Valve Company, Inc. from May River Capital. The acquisition — which includes Hunt Valve Actuator Division, MB Valve (Montreal Bronze) and Pima Valve, LLC — expands FMD's naval valve and electromechanical actuator manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities to better serve U.S. and Canadian naval and shipyard customers.

An affiliate of Nexus Capital Management LP has signed a definitive agreement to acquire HDT Global from Charlesbank Capital Partners. HDT, a Solon, Ohio–based manufacturer of expeditionary shelters, environmental control units, CBRN filtration systems, generators and other defense-focused equipment, will transition to Nexus pending customary approvals; financial terms were not disclosed.

Kansas City-based Enjet Aero has acquired Enginetics, a Dayton, Ohio precision components manufacturer, from Standex International Corporation. The acquisition adds Enginetics' metal forming, brazing, heat-treating and laser-drilling capabilities to Enjet's portfolio, expanding its engine-component manufacturing capabilities and customer reach in commercial and military aerospace.

Avon Protection, a subsidiary of Avon Rubber p.l.c., will acquire Team Wendy, a Cleveland-based maker of helmet systems for military, law enforcement and first responders, for $130 million in cash. The deal (subject to shareholder and regulatory approval) will leave Team Wendy operating as an Avon subsidiary from its Cleveland headquarters with its CEO and department directors remaining in place.

Dallas-based private equity firm Trive Capital provided a structured capital investment in Field Aerospace to buy out a minority shareholder (Dan Magarian) and support the company’s future growth and acquisition plans. Field Aerospace, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates aircraft integration, modification, engineering and parts manufacturing facilities serving government, aerospace and defense customers across the U.S. and Canada.

Jet Edge International acquired Columbus, Ohio–based JetSelect Aviation to expand its fleet, bolstering its super-midsize and large-cabin charter offerings and bringing the combined fleet to more than 85 aircraft. Jet Edge will retain JetSelect’s Columbus operations and staff, integrating JetSelect’s Challenger- and Learjet-series aircraft to strengthen domestic hub coverage and point-to-point charter capability.

Centauri, a PE-backed defense technology and engineering firm, has acquired The Design Knowledge Company (TDKC) and PreTalen, Ltd., both headquartered in the Dayton, Ohio region. The transactions expand Centauri's capabilities in microelectronics trust, space domain awareness, PNT (positioning, navigation and timing) and cyber warfare, more than doubling its Dayton headcount and prompting new R&D and secure facilities in the region.

AE Industrial Partners (AEI) has acquired AIM MRO, a Cincinnati-based manufacturer and supply chain manager of consumable repair products for the aerospace engine aftermarket. The transaction, which closed Dec. 2, 2019, positions AEI to expand AIM MRO's capabilities and accelerate growth across global aerospace engine and gas turbine MRO customers.

Consolidated Precision Products Corp. (CPP), a Cleveland-based manufacturer of precision castings and sub-assemblies for the commercial aerospace, defense and industrial gas turbine markets, announced a recapitalization with Berkshire Partners alongside existing investor Warburg Pincus. The investment will support CPP's long-term growth strategy and capability expansion, including continued M&A activity; terms were not disclosed.

Tribus Aerospace Corp., a Shorehill Capital-backed aerospace manufacturing platform, has completed the acquisition of Midwest Precision Holdings Inc., a precision machining firm based in Eastlake, Ohio. Shorehill Capital provided additional equity support and Antares provided debt and equity financing to support the transaction; terms were not disclosed. The deal expands Tribus's manufacturing capabilities and product offerings for OEM and Tier I customers across aerospace, defense and energy end markets.