A&D Weekly News & Transactions - Week 16

Industry Headline News

Rearming Europe Requires Rethinking Defense Investment Strategies
Apr. 17, 2025 - European nations are urged to overhaul their defense investment approaches, focusing not just on increased spending but on fostering innovation and supporting startups. The current defense ecosystem is criticized for being slow and fragmented, dominated by legacy contractors resistant to change. To build real capability, Europe must back innovation, empower new entrants, and streamline collaboration across countries. (The Defense Post)

French Aviation Supplier Lauak Explores Strategic Options Amid Interest from Lohia Group
Apr. 16, 2025 - French aerospace supplier Lauak is evaluating strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, as India's Lohia Group expresses acquisition interest. Lauak, known for manufacturing aircraft components for Airbus and Dassault, is working with financial advisors to assess its options. The move comes amid consolidation trends in the aerospace supply chain. (Bloomberg)

AMCA Launches with $76M to Acquire Specialized Aerospace Suppliers and Develop New Products
Apr. 16, 2025 - AMCA, a newly formed aerospace company, has secured $76 million in funding to acquire specialized suppliers and develop innovative products. Investors include Caffeinated Capital, Founders Fund, Lux Capital, and Andreessen Horowitz. AMCA also announced its first acquisition, human-machine interface products manufacturer Electro-Mech Components, Inc. in South El Monte, CA. (PR Newswire)

L3Harris Expands Space Manufacturing as Companies Vie for Position in 'Golden Dome'
Apr. 16, 2025 - L3Harris Technologies is expanding its space manufacturing operations to compete in the burgeoning 'Golden Dome' satellite market. The company plans to increase production capacity and invest in advanced technologies to meet growing demand. This expansion reflects the intensifying competition among aerospace firms in the satellite sector. (SpaceNews)

China Orders Suspension of Boeing Jet Deliveries Amid Escalating Trade War
Apr. 15, 2025 - In retaliation to the U.S. imposing 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, China has instructed its airlines to halt deliveries of Boeing jets and suspend purchases of U.S. aircraft parts. This move is expected to increase maintenance costs for existing Boeing aircraft in China and may shift orders to competitors like Airbus. The escalating trade tensions threaten to disrupt the global aerospace industry. (Reuters)

F-35 Nations Prioritize Spare Parts Amid U.S. Reassurances on 'Kill Switch' Concerns
Apr. 15, 2025 - F-35 partner nations are emphasizing the importance of securing spare parts, as the U.S. dismisses fears of a remote 'kill switch' that could disable the jets. Norway, for example, has established a national maintenance center to enhance operational readiness and reduce dependency on foreign support. The focus on spare parts underscores the need for autonomy and resilience in defense capabilities. (Defense News)

Weekly Transaction Review

No.	Parties Involved	Transaction Metrics			Location	Segment
	Target [Parent] Acquirer [Parent]	Price ($M)	Price/ Revenue	Price/ EBITDA	Target	Target
1	FMI Aerostructures Avem Partners	-	-	-	Valencia, CA	Machined & Cast Parts
2	Data Driven Readiness IP Assets of Crowdbotics [Crowdbotics] Shield AI	-	-	-	Berkeley, CA	Government Services, IT Services and Software
3	Mecadaq CAPZA	-	-	-	Tarnos, France	Machined & Cast Parts
4	Fictiv MISUMI	$350.0	4.8x	-	Oakland, CA	Machined & Cast Parts
5	Tool Gauge Demgy Group	-	-	-	Tacoma, WA	Machined & Cast Parts
6	G2 Secure Staff Menzies Aviation [Agility]	$305.0	0.6x	-	Irving, TX	MRO & Logistics
7	Redbird Aero Skyports Drone Services	-	-	-	Sydney, Australia	Unmanned Vehicles
8	Darton Commodities Marex Group	-	-	-	Guildford, United Kingdom	Distribution
9	Trip & Co CCE Group [Hivest Capital Partners]	-	-	-	Nieuw-Vennep, Netherlands	MRO & Logistics

No.	Target Descriptions
1	FMI Aerostructures is a manufacturer of critical structural components and assemblies for the aerospace and defense industry, specializing in hard metal machining, large aluminum structures, and complex assemblies. The company supplies major OEMs and primes with precision-machined components for fighter jets, transport aircraft, and space systems.
2	The Data Driven Readiness IP assets of Crowdbotics are software analytics tools that collect, process, and visualize light data to assess pilot proficiency for post-mission debriefs
3	Mecadaq manufactures complex, high-value-added components for the civil and defence aerospace sectors. The group supports critical programs such as the Airbus A320, Boeing B737, and Dassault Rafale, and supplies leading OEMs including Airbus, Boeing, Safran, Dassault, and Thalès.
4	Fictiv is a digital manufacturing platform specializing in custom mechanical parts for prototyping and low-volume production, offering services such as CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication. The company provides AI-driven sourcing, real-time design feedback, and end-to-end supply chain management for industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, and robotics.
5	Tool Gauge is a manufacturer of complex metal and plastic assemblies for the aerospace industry, specializing in five-axis machining, injection molding, and multi-level assembly for flight-critical components. The company serves global aerospace OEMs and tier-one suppliers with certified, high-precision parts including interior panels, fuel and hydraulic line clamps, and landing gear assemblies
6	G2 Secure Staff provides staffing and security services to the aviation industry. The company offers security services that include predeparture screening, sports team charter screening, aircraft security sweeps, catering security services, parking lots, hanger protection, positive claims, and checkpoint design and equipment acquisition services.
7	Redbird Aero is a provider of aeromedical cargo and drone services, specializing in the rapid delivery of critical medical supplies, including medicines, vaccines, and pathology samples, to underserved regions. The company also offers infrastructure inspection and disaster relief operations using heavy-lift unmanned aircraft systems.
8	Darton Commodities is a supplier of high-purity cobalt metal products, specializing in materials critical to aerospace applications. The company provides cobalt alloys and magnetic materials, such as samariumcobalt magnets, used in high-temperature aerospace systems including turbine engines, guidance systems, and structural components.
9	Trip & Co is a manufacturer of air cargo equipment, specializing in fire containment systems, thermal covers, tie-down straps, pallet nets, and cargo hardware. The company provides customized cargo protection solutions for the aviation industry.