Blackstone buys MB Aerospace in SBO

Following the deal, Blackstone will support MB Aerospace's organic and acquisitive growth in the US and in Europe.

MB Aerospace first received private equity backing in April 2007 when LDC backed the company's management buyout from generalist engineering business Motherwell Bridge. According to unquote" data, the deal saw LDC taking a majority stake, with RBS providing senior debt to support the transaction. In 2011, MBA acquired Detroit-based Gentz Industries.

In March 2013, Arlington backed the secondary management buyout of MBA from LDC. The deal saw Arlington pick up a majority stake alongside management. This transaction earmarked funds for bolt-on acquisitions in the US. Following that deal, MBA acquired Norbert Industries, enabling it to increase its capacity and customer base with new sites in Michigan and Poland.

In June 2013, LDC and Arlington reinvested in MB Aerospace to support the company's acquisition of Connecticut-based Delta Industries.

Company
MB Aerospace, with facilities in the US, UK and Poland, is an engine component manufacturer and repair business. Customers include Rolls-Royce, General Electric, Boeing and the US Department of Defence. The company produces aero-engine and aero-derivative components, which serve all three major aero-engine original equipment manufacturers.

The business was previously based in Motherwell, Scotland, but has since relocated its headquarters to Chevy Chase, Maryland.

In June this year, MB Aerospace reported turnover of $200m. The company employs more than 1,000 people.

People
Craig Callagher is the CEO of MB Aerospace, and will continue in in his role following the deal. Bruce McEvoy is managing director at Blackstone. Peter Manos is managing partner at Arlington.

Advsiers
Equity – Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (Legal).
Vendor – Moelis & Company (M&A); Kirkland & Ellis (Legal).

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• Topics
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