Last week the Czech-and-Slovak private equity group Penta concluded its first acquisition in Western Europe by purchasing the British company Rotortech Limited, which manufactures composites for the aviation industry. The newly established company will be called Rotortech Aero Composites and after restructuring, it will probably become part of Aero Vodochody, which Penta owns as well. Immediately after the contract was signed, a new management team was established in the company, comprising of representatives from Penta and Aero Vodochody.
"The acquisition of Rotortech confirms Penta’s long-term interest in the aviation industry. Aero Vodochody is ready to increase the volume of production and compete with leading suppliers in the aviation industry. The acquisition of the composites technology through Rotortech will boost Aero’s position on the world’s market of aerostructures and make it easier for the company to acquire new contracts," says Marek Dospiva, a partner at Penta.
The demanding negotiations leading up to the sale lasted several months. Penta won the enterprise in a tender over local private equity groups and strategic investors.
The core business of Rotortech is manufacturing composite parts for the aviation industry. Increasing the share of composites in aviation technology is a global long term trend. In the near future, an increase in demand is expected in the amount of 20 % a year. The main advantage of this modern material is its ideal combination of strength and lightness in comparison with the traditional metal alloys used for the production of primary aircraft constructions.
In the nearest future, Penta plans to invest in the production technology of Rotortech. The company’s customers include Aero Vodochody, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and the BAE concern.
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