A holding company equally owned by Airbus, Safran and Tikehau Capital has acquired Aubert & Duval from Eramet, the global mining and metallurgy group. Aubert & Duval is a strategic supplier of critical parts and materials to the aerospace, defence, nuclear and medical industries. The company generates approximately €550 million in annual revenue and has roughly 3,700 employees, predominantly in France. The company had industry-leading knowledge in specialty steels and superalloys, and its more recently acquired expertise in titanium are crucial to the aerospace, transportation, energy, defence and medical markets.
Bruno Durand has been appointed CEO of Aubert & Duval by the holding company’s Board of Directors and will be managing its operations. Safran CEO Olivier Andriès commented: “The acquisition of Aubert & Duval will ensure the national and European sovereignty of our strategic programs developing disruptive civil and military engines, and secure our critical parts and materials supply chain. I am confident the new team will carry through the transformation project to get this leading French industry player back on track.”
“Completion of this acquisition represents a crucial step towards the creation of a leading European player in critical parts and materials, equipped to compete globally and to support the aerospace and defence industry, thereby reducing geopolitical risks of supply”, said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. “Airbus will provide its full support to Aubert & Duval as it executes its ambitious transformation plan.” “The acquisition of Aubert & Duval reflects the quickening pace of transformation and consolidation in the aerospace sector.
Tikehau Capital is proud to be aiding the company’s recovery and the development of its industrial expertise alongside Airbus and Safran. Aubert & Duval is a strategic player vital to maintaining France and Europe’s industrial independence,” added Marwan Lahoud, Chairman Private Equity, Tikehau Capital.
