The Rafaut Group, supplier of civil aeronautics and defense equipment, continues its growth with the acquisition of LACE, a subsidiary of the LISI Group. The Group further consolidates its position as a major European force in the sector thanks to the support of its shareholders, HLD, Ace Capital Partners, Etoile Capital and BNP Parisbas Developpement.
The Rafaut Group makes a second acquisition in early 2021 with the takeover of LACE, a French SME that specializes in niche know-how in load transportation equipment and systems for aerospace industry.
LACE, which specializes in the development, production and support of multi-role electromechanical loading equipment for the helicopter market, is directly complementary to Rafaut Group’s existing core attributes: an equipment manufacturer specializing in carriage systems for fighter aircraft along with actuators and other diverse equipment for civil aeronautics and the defense market.
The long-term support and relationships that LACE has established over the years with key players in the sector, both in France and the export market, create a significant commercial synergy for Rafaut. In addition, a strong industrial complementarity in the high-quality processes and recognized industrial performance of Rafaut and the electromechanical design skills of LACE, will enable the Group to accelerate its transformation and position itself as a major European player.
“LACE is an acquisition that strengthens our know-how of the design, manufacture, maintenance and sale of electromechanical external loading equipment and systems, on an international scale. We are accelerating our diversification with a new team that is innovative, agile and shares our values of industrial excellence,” said Nicolas Orance, chief executive officer of the Rafaut Group
“Following on from our recent more specialized investment in the defense sector, our strategy to become a major player in both the civil aeronautics and defense sectors is further underlined by this acquisition of LACE,” said Bruno Berthet, president of the Rafaut Group.
“After over ten years in the LISI Group and following a remarkable journey that has seen LACE establish itself in the helicopter external loading equipment market, Rafaut’s acquisition opens up the opportunity to continue its growth and aim even higher,” said Emmanuel Neildez, managing director of LISI Aerospace.
This press release was prepared and distributed by the Rafaut Group
