THE CARLYLE GROUP takes majority stake in ADB SAFEGATE
Context
PAI Partners has completed the sale of ADB SAFEGATE to Carlyle in a LBO ter, following a multi-year value creation and transformation phase. The deal represents PAI’s exit from the company after a period of international expansion and industrial consolidation. The sale process was run as a competitive auction for a mid-cap international industrial asset, involving both financial sponsors and strategic infrastructure and aviation players. Carlyle Europe Partners IV emerged as the successful bidder and will support management in the next phase of growth. The transaction reflects a standard portfolio rotation for PAI Partners, crystallizing value in a scaled global platform while recycling capital into new investments. The deal was structured as a leveraged buyout, combining senior debt and subordinated financing instruments.
Pai Partners had previously taken control of the company through an LBO in 2013.
ADB SAFEGATE, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2017, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, representing a LOGIN to the average currently observed in the Industry & Manufacturing sector (10.8x).
Note that this data is based on contribution from our growing community, composed of M&A and Private Equity professionals, and has been verified by our team to ensure its accuracy.
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Target
ADB SAFEGATE (ex ADB Airfield Solutions) is a global leader in airfield ground lighting (AGL) systems for airport infrastructure. The company designs, manufactures, and markets a comprehensive range of runway and taxiway lighting products, as well as integrated control, monitoring, and power management systems used in airport operations. Its solutions cover both airside equipment and centralized control systems deployed in control towers and electrical substations. ADB serves a wide range of airport customers, from major international hubs to regional airports, military bases, and heliports. The company has a strong global footprint, with installations in more than 2,000 airports across over 175 countries. It operates an international industrial and commercial platform, including manufacturing sites in Europe, the United States, and China, as well as a global network of sales offices and distributors. The company is also recognized for its technological leadership in LED airfield lighting and intelligent airport infrastructure systems.
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Historical Financials (EUR)
Other operations with ADB SAFEGATE
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector | Deal Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/2013 | PAI PARTNERS | ADB SAFEGATE | BELGIUM | Aerospace, Naval & Defense | PAI Partners acquired ADB Airfield Solutions from Montagu Private Equity in a control buyout following a prior carve-out from a former industrial group. ADB is a global leader in airfield ground lighting (AGL) systems, providing end-to-end solutions including runway and taxiway lighting, power supply equipment, and monitoring and control systems for airport operations. The company serves more than 2,000 airports across over 175 countries, with a strong international footprint and significant exposure to emerging markets. The transaction is intended to support the next stage of ADB’s development, focusing on: international expansion through local manufacturing and commercial capabilities, operational efficiency improvements via global integration, strengthening of technology leadership in airport lighting systems, and selective external growth through acquisitions. Rothschild acted as exclusive financial advisor to the seller and the company, while BNP Paribas advised the buyer. |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV 500M - 1.5b EUR
Revenue range: 450M - 900M EUR
EBITDA range: 50M - 100M EUR
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Authors: verified mynth contributor (mynth data is contributed by M&A / PE professionals and systematically cross-verified with private deal documents and official press releases).
Press release: view release
Target: adb safegate
Acquirer: the carlyle group