AE Industrial Partners acquires AC&A, LLC

AE Industrial Partners, LLC, a private equity investor in aerospace, power generation and specialty industrial companies, announced that it has acquired AC&A, LLC, a manufacturer of composite and metallic parts and tooling. Terms of the transaction, which closed today, were not disclosed.

Based in Lake Forest, California, AC&A is focused on the aerospace and defense, space, and niche and specialty automotive markets, providing high quality, cost-effective parts to these industrial segments. With exceptional carbon composite and metallic capabilities, the company is highly proficient in both tool generation and component part manufacturing for its core markets as well as emerging, high-growth end markets such as Space and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).

“AEI, with its longstanding involvement in aerospace and related technologies, understands the potential of our company,” said Justin Uchida, CEO and COO of AC&A. “AEI's expertise and financial support will enable AC&A to grow our business with both new and existing customers.”

“Each of AC&A's major market segments – aerospace and defense, space, and niche/specialty automobile – offers substantial potential for growth,” said David H. Rowe, Managing Partner of AEI. “AC&A's strong customer relationships, highly specialized technologies, and cutting-edge capabilities make it a unique supplier within these high-growth sectors. AC&A is truly a 'one stop shop' for design, development, and fabrication that has created a unique solution for its customers.”

Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP served as financial advisor to AE Industrial Partners.

Law Office of Ron R. Goldie served as legal advisor and Janes Capital Partners served as financial advisor to AC&A.

In the last year, AEI has made two platform acquisitions: Belcan, LLC, a global supplier of engineering project management and technical staffing solutions, and Kellstrom Materials, which provides parts support and supply chain management for leading airlines and air transport operators worldwide.