RSM UK advises Swift Aerospace on sale to leading supplier in the aerospace industry
RSM UK has advised on the sale of Swift Aerospace to Clarendon Specialty Fasteners, part of Diploma PLC, marking another successful transaction in the industrials sector.
Swift Aerospace is a global aerospace distributor of approved fasteners and hardware, with over 30 years’ experience supplying products and services to some of the industry’s largest original equipment manufacturers. With operations across the UK, Europe and Asia, the business is known for its highest levels of delivery performance, customer service, quality and reliability, and has built a reputation as the distributor of choice for hard-to-source, specialist components.
Headquartered in Royal Wooton Bassett, Clarendon Specialty Fasteners is a leading supplier and distributor of fastening systems to manufacturers in the aerospace, defence and motorsport industries. It is owned by Diploma PLC, a FTSE 100 company with 3,400 employees across 17 businesses across the US, Canada, UK, Europe and Australia.
The acquisition will enable the combined business to broaden its product range, deepen supply-chain resilience and enhance global service capabilities. Swift Aerospace’s international footprint and specialist product focus complement Clarendon’s existing offering and support Diploma’s growth strategy.
RSM UK advised owner Rupert Gerber in the transaction, led by deal services partner Ian Wherry and director David Rowlinson, working alongside Grace Cox, Tom Faulks and Lewis Dyer to deliver the deal.
Ian Wherry, corporate finance partner at RSM UK, said: “Swift Aerospace is a high-quality business with an excellent reputation in the global aerospace market. Its integration into Clarendon and the wider Diploma group creates a strong platform for continued growth, and we are pleased to have supported the shareholder in achieving a successful outcome.
We’re delighted to have been able to support Swift Aerospace throughout the transaction, and wish the team all the best as they embark on this new chapter of accelerated growth in the aerospace market.”
Rupert Gerber, former owner of Swift Aerospace, added: “I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last 33 years and look forward to seeing all that the business achieves moving forward. I would like to thank RSM’s Deals team for their expert guidance and tenacity during the transaction. Their support was valuable, and played an important role in helping achieve a successful outcome. The team brought professionalism and experience, making a complex process achievable.”