Arlington Capital Partners has formed Forged Solutions Group, a new platform in the aerospace components sector, and has acquired the Blaenavon forging business of Doncasters Group.
Blaenavon is a maker of complex, precision-forged rings and closed die products used by original equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers in the aerospace and defense sectors.
The business, led by Managing Director Lee Smith, is based in Blaenavon, UK. “I look forward to partnering with Arlington Capital Partners to embark on the company’s next phase of growth by investing in infrastructure, leveraging the firm’s expertise to win new contracts and gain market share, delivering best-in-class on-time-delivery and quality, and evaluating strategic M&A opportunities,” said Mr. Smith. “Arlington has had a long, successful track record in building strong market-leading businesses in the aerospace & defense space, and we look forward to being counted among them.”
“Lee and the Forged Solutions Group team have established credibility as a trusted supplier for mission-critical engine parts,” said Erica Son, a vice president at Arlington Capital. “For Arlington, this investment represents an opportunity to invest in an attractive part of the aerospace & defense value chain with strong customer relationships, high barriers to entry, and high revenue visibility.”
“Blaenavon is a very unique asset, and we are excited to support Lee and his management team in accelerating the company’s growth through investment in new capital and through acquisitions of complementary businesses that expand product offerings, customer lists and geographic reach,” said Peter Manos, a managing partner at Arlington Capital. “The company is well positioned on fast-growing, next-generation engine platforms such as LEAP, GTF, and Trent XWB and additionally has a strong portfolio of aftermarket components on sole-sourced programs.”
Editor’s note: The LEAP (leading edge aviation propulsion) is a next-generation turbofan engine platform made by CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines; the GTF (geared turbofan) is a next-generation turbofan engine platform made by Pratt & Whitney; and the Trent XWB (extra wide body) is a next-generation turbofan engine platform made by Rolls-Royce.
Arlington Capital was founded in 1999 and has completed over 90 acquisitions since its inception. The Chevy Chase, MD-based firm is currently investing out of Arlington Capital Partners V LP, a $1.7 billion fund that closed in June 2019.
Doncasters Group, the seller of Blaenavon, is a manufacturer of components and assemblies used in the aerospace, automotive, petrochemical, construction, industrial, transportation, and recreational markets worldwide. The company is headquartered near Birmingham in Burton upon Trent, UK.
© 2019 Private Equity Professional | November 18, 2019
