Understanding the Role of an Aerospace and Defense M&A Consultant in Today’s Market

In the complex and ever-evolving world of aerospace and defense, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) represent a critical lever for growth, innovation, and long-term competitiveness. Whether driven by rapid technological advancements, shifting financial, economic or geopolitical realities, or the constant need for scale and efficiency; the aerospace and defense (A&D) sector demands specialized expertise to navigate M&A transactions successfully. That’s where an aerospace and defense M&A consultant becomes indispensable.

Janes Capital Partners has extensive experience as an Aerospace & Defense M&A consultant having successfully closed over 80 Aerospace & Defense M&A transactions valued at over $6 Billion in Total Enterprise Value. This includes the following:

• Acquisition of Raptor Scientific by TransDigm
• Sale of Syrlinks to Safran
• Sale of IntelliPower to AMETEK
• Sale of Advatech Pacific’s Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) division to General Dynamics Mission Systems
• Sale of GE Aerospace's Santa Ana division to Admiralty Partners
• Sale of Frontier Systems to The Boeing Company
• Sale of Scaled Composites to Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Sale of Parker's United Aircraft Products division to Triumph Group
• Sale of Honeywell's Lube & Scavenge Pump division to TransDigm
• Sale of Thermal Structures to HEICO Corporation

Why Specialized M&A Consultants Matter Aerospace and Defense

Unlike other industries, the A&D sector operates under a unique set of dynamics: regulatory oversight, national security concerns, defense budget cycles, and long-term government contracting. These intricacies make generalist advisory approaches insufficient. Engaging a team of aerospace and defense M&A experts ensures that companies receive guidance grounded in sector-specific knowledge, strategic foresight, and deep industry relationships.

An experienced aerospace and defense mergers and acquisitions consultant understands how to:

• Assess strategic fit and alignment with long-term defense priorities
• Navigate complex regulatory and compliance frameworks
• Evaluate intellectual property and technology assets within classified or export-controlled environments
• Identify synergies across the supply chain and product lifecycle
• Optimize valuation through detailed diligence and market intelligence

The COnsultant's Role Throughout the M&A Lifecycle

Strategic Positioning & Preparation

A&D M&A consultants begin by aligning transaction goals with a company’s broader strategic vision. This includes assessing market positioning, identifying potential acquisition targets or exit opportunities, and preparing materials that clearly articulate the value proposition to stakeholders.

Target Identification & Outreach

Leveraging industry networks and databases, M&A advisors help identify optimal targets or buyers. Their role goes beyond list building — they provide context on market behavior, competitor moves, and cross-border deal feasibility.

Due Diligence & VAluation

Aerospace and defense M&A experts bring rigorous financial, operational, and regulatory diligence tailored to the nuances of the sector. This is especially crucial when transactions involve sensitive technologies, classified contracts, or multi-national operations. Their input informs accurate valuations that reflect both current performance and long-term strategic value.

Deal Execution & Negotiation

When it’s time to close, the consultant acts as both a deal architect and advocate. They manage communication between parties, assist in negotiating deal structures, and work closely with legal, accounting, and compliance teams to resolve complexities.

Navigating a Changing A&D M&A LAndscape

Today’s aerospace and defense M&A market is shaped by a confluence of global trends: increased defense spending, supply chain realignment, and heightened focus on advanced technologies like space systems, AI/autonomy, and cyber defense. Against this backdrop, private equity interest and strategic consolidation continue to drive competitive deal-making.

In this environment, companies turn to aerospace and defense M&A consultants not just for execution, but for insight — to make sense of where the market is heading and how to position for long-term advantage.

Choosing the Right Partner

Selecting an advisor is about more than credentials; it’s about choosing a partner with a deep understanding of the aerospace and defense ecosystem. Janes Capital Partners combines decades of experience, technical fluency, and a dedicated focus on A&D transactions. Our team has advised on transactions across the sector — from precision manufacturing to MRO/aftermarket to defense electronics — helping clients unlock value in highly nuanced environments.

COnclusion

In today’s high-stakes aerospace and defense landscape, M&A can unlock new markets, capabilities, and operational efficiencies. But success requires more than ambition — it requires the steady guidance of an experienced aerospace and defense M&A consultant. At Janes Capital Partners, we are proud to be that trusted partner, helping companies realize their strategic potential with clarity, seamless execution, and deep sector expertise.