Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) has advised the Böllhoff Group (“Böllhoff”), a supplier of assembly technology to the aeronautical, automotive and manufacturing industries, on the acquisition of a significant stake in Gillis Aerospace. The contract was signed in January 2020 and the transaction completed in early March.
To strengthen their position in the aerospace markets, Böllhoff took part in a competitive bid organised by Gillis Aerospace, who were looking to achieve the same goal by establishing a strategic partnership with a respected global player, enabling both companies to offer a wider product range and a broader portfolio of services to their clients. The two proved to be an ideal match, with Böllhoff benefiting from Gillis Aerospace’s deep sector know-how, and the latter gaining access to the former’s R&D programmes and large series production facilities.
Founded in 1877, anne With an annual turnover of €650m+, Böllhoff has 3300 employees working at 13 production sites and 45 subsidiaries in 50 countries.
Founded in 1965, Gillis Aerospace specialises in the manufacturing of small and medium-sized aeronautical and aerospace fasteners and had recorded a turnover of €5m in 2019. Its client base comprises aircraft and helicopter manufacturers, equipment suppliers and aerospace companies, including Airbus, Ariane Group, Liebherr, MBDA, Safran and Thales. Its Charmain since 2011, Serge Dumas, continues in his role going forward.
The WFW Paris team advising Böllhoff comprised Partner Pascal Roux and Senior Associate Anne-Kelly d’Amécourt.
