Merger and acquisition activity is picking up in the aviation aftermarket sector, including in niche areas. A prime example of this is Amplex’s acquisition of J.B. Roche, a supplier of inflatable hangars and shelters for commercial, military and business aviation.
J.B. Roche received “upwards of 10 approaches from potential purchasers” over the last two years, but this one stood out, says Ian Nagle, the company’s founder and managing director. “The choice [of Amplex] was not difficult for us to make” because Ireland-based J.B. Roche was looking to be bought by a profitable company with a proven track record, a buyer that understood J.B. Roche’s values and management team, as well as its “ambitious growth plans for the future. Amplex ticked every one of those boxes,” Nagle says.
Amplex has “a track record of acquiring and developing niche companies such as ourselves,” he adds.
The companies did not disclose the acquisition price of the transaction that closed June 30.
J.B. Roche was owned by Nagle and part-owner Eileen Roche. The company, based in Cork, has an annual turnover of SEK50 million ($4.9 million). The owners expect to continue their roles following the acquisition.
Amplex is a privately owned Swedish company known for acquiring, owning and developing niche technology companies. Its portfolio includes about 20 companies across Europe, Canada, China and the U.S.
