Cincinnati, Ohio – January 27, 2016 – Belcan, LLC (“Belcan”), a global supplier of engineering consultancy services and technical staffing solutions, announced today that it will acquire European-based East Kilbride Engineering Services (EKES), a leading engineering consultancy across a variety of disciplines and sectors. Terms were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016.
EKES, founded in 1996 by former Rolls-Royce aero engineers, provides engineering solutions and recruitment services in the U.K. and Europe to engineering firms and manufacturers in a variety of sectors, including aerospace, marine, nuclear energy, and oil and gas. Belcan is owned byAE Industrial Partners, LLC (“AEI”), a private equity investor in aerospace, power generation and specialty industrial companies.
“EKES is a perfect fit for Belcan, providing service enhancements and expanded market presence in the U.K. and Europe,” said Lance Kwasniewski, Chief Executive Officer of Belcan. “In addition, we believe Belcan can grow the EKES business in new markets, including the U.S., and invest in its exceptional core consultancy services and recruitment networks.”
“Our company has shown steady growth since our founding nearly 20 years ago,” said Wilbert Hall, Managing Director, EKES. “By joining forces with Belcan, we are confident we will not only continue but accelerate our growth as we enter new markets and pursue exciting opportunities as part of Belcan.”
“Belcan and EKES are both world-class companies with world-class customers,” said David H. Rowe, Managing Partner of AEI. “This is a powerful combination, which will enhance our services for clients as well as competitive strength across the board.”
Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP served as financial advisor to Belcan and AE Industrial Partners.
About Belcan, LLC
Belcan is a global supplier of engineering consultancy services and technical staffing solutions to a diverse spectrum of industries. Belcan’s dedication to the success of its clients and employees, along with a commitment to engineering better outcomes through adaptive and integrated services, has led to nearly 60 years of growth and success. From jet engines to electronics, heavy equipment to pharmaceuticals, Belcan takes a partnering approach to provide customer-driven solutions that are flexible, scalable, and cost-effective. For more information, please visitwww.belcancorporation.com
About EKES
East Kilbride Engineering Services (EKES) was formed in 1996 by a core team of highly skilled, professional, Rolls-Royce aero engineers. From this core team, EKES has grown to become a world-leading engineering consultancy across a variety of disciplines and sectors. EKES employs more than 300 engineers at its U.K., Germany and Poland offices as well as within its clients’ facilities in the U.K. and Europe.
EKES prides itself on its desire and ability to understand the wider engineering issues, providing optimized solutions and recommendations which fulfill customer requirements. Today, EKES is recognized throughout for its engineering expertise providing specialist services to a wide range of industries including aerospace, automotive, marine, renewables, and oil and gas. EKES also offers expert recruitment services, providing clients with personnel to meet their specific requirements. For more information, please visit www.ekes.co.uk
About AE Industrial Partners, LLC
AE Industrial Partners, LLC is a leading private equity firm in the aerospace, power generation and specialty industrial sectors, focusing on highly technical manufacturing, distribution and supply chain management, MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) and industrial service-based businesses. AE Industrial’s team includes partners with C-suite operating experience in organizations such as GE, Gulfstream Aerospace, Power Systems Manufacturing, Hawker Beechcraft, Landmark Aviation, Bombardier, IDEX, Aviall, B/E Aerospace, NetJets, and Grand Prairie. For more information, please visit www.aeroequity.com
