Advising Aerospace, Defence & Space Businesses
In aerospace, defence and space, accreditation and reliance on specific OEM programmes carry a major weight. Production cycles drive a long term view and dependence on a relatively small number of prime contractors influences how buyers assess value, particularly where export controls or security clearances affect who is permitted to acquire a business.
Selecting the right counterpart requires agreement on price and ownership structure, as well as the necessary regulatory approvals. Technical credibility must withstand scrutiny, especially when targets are privately owned and not publicly marketed.
CDI Global advises on acquisitions and divestitures in this sector, including proprietary searches where discretion is critical. Each engagement is handled with an understanding of the conditions required for completion.
Aerospace, Defence & Space Sector Overview
The aerospace, defence and space industry revolves around a relatively small number of prime contractors that control access to major programmes. Below them sit suppliers operating at different tiers, where certification and formal approval determine whether a company can continue supplying parts or systems over many years. For many businesses, securing a place on a programme can generate revenue for a long time, while losing that position can be hard to recover from.
When a company is bought or sold, buyers look closely at how much revenue depends on specific programmes and how secure the order book is. They examine whether approvals remain valid after a change of ownership and whether key customers are likely to remain supportive. The reliability of critical suppliers is also reviewed, particularly where production depends on a small group of specialised vendors. Heavy reliance on a single contractor or platform can change how the deal's overall risk is viewed.
The sector also operates under strict export control rules and national security review procedures. These rules can limit who is allowed to acquire certain businesses, especially where government contracts or controlled technologies are involved. Ownership restrictions and approval requirements, therefore, need to be considered at an early stage of any transaction.
Our Experience in Aerospace, Defence & Space
CDI Global has advised aerospace, defence and space businesses on acquisitions and divestitures involving suppliers to prime contractors and companies operating within government programmes. Assignments in this sector often require early-stage approval from ownership, particularly where export controls apply. Customer relationships also need careful assessment before a transaction proceeds.
A significant portion of our work involves searches for proprietary companies. Many specialist engineering businesses are privately owned and do not enter formal sale processes. We engage directly with shareholders where appropriate and manage discussions with discretion from the outset.
Transactions frequently involve controlled technologies and sensitive commercial information, so regulatory authorities may need to be engaged and information handled carefully throughout, with senior partners involved from first discussion through to completion.
