Llanelec Precision Engineering acquires Kigass Aero Components

Heligan Group advised the Defence & Aerospace group, Llanelec, backed by Hanover Investors, on the purchase of Kigass Aero Components.

Llanelec Precision Engineering has announced its acquisition of Kigass Aero Components, with the deal being advised by the intelligence-led investment and advisory group Heligan Group.

The acquisition marks a significant step for Llanelec, which is backed by Hanover Investors’ Active Equity Fund III, as it deepens the group’s aerospace capability alongside its established defence business, broadens its customer base, and brings together two complementary precision-machining teams with a shared commitment to quality and long-term customer partnership.

A fourth-generation family business founded in 1924, Warwick-based Kigass is one of Britain’s longest-established precision engineering businesses specialising in high-integrity machined components for aero-engines including fuel injectors, fuel burners, fuel manifolds and oil jets for civil and defence aerospace programmes as well as precision components for world-leading motorsport applications.

The Engineering firm will continue to be led by Managing Director Peter Platt following its sale to Llanelec, who will guide the business through its transition into the Llanelec Group and remain closely involved thereafter. 

Matt Croker and Azam Iqbal at Heligan Group (corporate finance), Foot Anstey (legal), and Interpath (financial and tax due diligence) advised Llanelec and Hanover. 

Commenting on the deal, Spencer John, CEO of Llanelec, 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 a hundred 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.”

Joanne Wardman-Smith, exiting shareholder of Kigass, added: “I am convinced that Kigass is in the right hands to not only safeguard its future but 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 started by my great-grandfather over 100 years ago. I want to thank the Cattaneo team for all their advice and hard work. 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.”

Commenting on Heligan’s role, Josh Kerry, Investment Director at Hanover, said, “Matt and Azam played a key role in our acquisition of Kigass, from identification of the target through to completion. The Heligan team were highly responsive throughout and provided clear and concise advice alongside a solution-focused approach. Their strong sector knowledge helped us position Kigass as a key part of Llanelec’s growth strategy. It was a pleasure to work with Heligan and look forward to working on future opportunities together.”

Matt Croker, Head of Defence and National Security at Heligan, added: “Hanover are building a highly impressive platform focused on the Defence and Aerospace sector.  There is significant backlog across the sector, and with Hanover’s backing, Llanelec and Kigass are well-placed to capitalise on the growth opportunities available as Defence Primes prioritise scale, auditability of suppliers and resilience across their supply chain.  This was a great transaction for Heligan’s dedicated Defence and National Security team to be involved with.”