Aubert & Duval acquired by Airbus / Safran

Tikehau Capital has entered into an agreement to divest its stake in Aubert & Duval to its two industrial co-shareholders, Airbus and Safran, marking the end of a four-year partnership that saw a significant restructuring of the metallurgical equipment manufacturer. In 2022, Airbus, Safran, and Tikehau each acquired approximately one-third of the group through an investment vehicle established to support the aerospace industry following the COVID-19 crisis. At the time, the company was facing substantial operational challenges, including disorganized production and significant losses, which directly impacted its major industrial clients. Since the takeover, a major industrial transformation plan has been implemented, focusing on modernizing production facilities, rationalizing sites, and strategically refocusing on titanium alloys and critical materials. This restructuring has been accompanied by a gradual improvement in financial performance, with revenue nearly doubling. Tikehau's exit is a logical move, with Airbus and Safran acquiring the stake on a parity basis, thereby consolidating their industrial control over a strategic supplier to the European aerospace chain. This transaction is part of a broader strategy to secure critical supply chains and strengthen industrial sovereignty in a sector marked by persistent material shortages.

In the past, Aubert & Duval was acquired by Tikehau Capital / Safran / Airbus in 2023 as part of its expansion strategy.