Wed, 05 Aug 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
Kigass Aero Components, a fourth generation family precision engineering business, has been acquired by private equity-backed Llanelec Precision Engineering in a deal supported by Cattaneo Corporate Finance.
Warwick-headquartered Kigass, which was founded in 1924, specialises in high-integrity machined components for aero-engines, including fuel burners, fuel injectors, fuel manifolds and oil jets for civil and defence aerospace programmes, in addition to precision components for motorsport components.
Following its acquisition by Neath-based Llanelec, the company will continue to be led by Managing Director Peter Platt.
Exiting Kigass shareholder Joanne Wardman-Smith said that Llanelec was the right owner to safeguard the company’s future and to enable it to “take advantage of the opportunities that are out there for high-quality UK manufacturing businesses, while continuing to set the standard for exceptional British engineering and manufacturing”.
Kigass’ shareholders were advised by a Cattaneo team of Martyn Pilley and Oliver Lowe, who guided the process from initial discussions, negotiation of heads of terms and due diligence through to legal completion.
Joanne Wardman-Smith said: “Selling your family business inevitably holds certain emotional challenges and we really appreciated the team's accessibility, as well as their straightforward advice while taking us through the process."
Oliver Lowe said: "As a fourth generation family business it was essential that the buyer provided the right fit both operationally and culturally with Kigass.”
"In a growing and highly regulated global aerospace market, scale is important and the attitude of all parties allowed us to navigate the inevitable transaction challenges to build a group which is well-placed to deliver its strategic plan."
The acquisition of Kigass is described as a landmark deal for Llanelec, which is backed by Hanover Investors' Active Equity Fund III. The deal deepens its aerospace capability alongside its established defence business, while broadening its customer base and bringing together two complementary precision-machining teams.
Llanelec Chief Executive Spencer John said: "Kigass impressed us from the moment we met the team: the quality record, the capability, and above all the people. Businesses like this, with 100 years of machining heritage, are rare.”
"This acquisition is a major step in our goal to build a leading defence and aerospace engineering group, and we are delighted to welcome Peter and the whole Kigass team."
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