Airbus, Safran and alternative asset management group Tikehau Capital announce that they have signed a binding agreement for the sale of the stake held by Tikehau Capital's aerospace and defence fund in Aubert & Duval to its existing co-shareholders, Airbus and Safran.

The acquisition of Tikehau Capital's stake will be acquired equally by Airbus and Safran.

The completion of the transaction remains subject in particular to the required regulatory approvals.

A strategic French industrial player, Aubert & Duval is one of the world leaders in the design, production and processing of complex metallic materials, particularly specialist steels, superalloys, titanium and aluminium for critical sectors such as aerospace, defence, energy and healthcare. The company relies on recognised expertise across the entire value chain, from materials design to the manufacture of forged parts. It generates revenue of approximately €960 million and employs nearly 4,400 staff across ten industrial sites, eight of which are in France.

Since the acquisition of Aubert & Duval in April 2023, Airbus, Safran and Tikehau Capital have led, alongside management and employees, a major transformation and turnaround phase for the company.

Aubert & Duval has strengthened its role in serving French and European industrial sovereignty. It also actively contributes to securing the supply of critical materials and the decarbonisation of the industry, notably through its titanium recycling activity.

This transaction will be carried out without affecting the current organisation of the teams, while Aubert & Duval continues to operate independently in serving its customers and suppliers.