Aviation, My Dear Watts-on – Graham Completes Add-on Acquisition of Uk-based Aerospace Supplier
March 23rd, 2015
PHILADELPHIA
Graham Partners, a private investment firm focused on investing in businesses with advanced industrial technologies, innovative product offerings, and strong growth potential, is pleased to announce that its portfolio company, Desser Tire & Rubber Company (“Desser”), a leading supplier of aircraft tires and tubes serving the aviation aftermarket, has acquired Watts Aviation Services Limited (“Watts”). Located in Gloucestershire, England, Watts distributes a full range of aircraft tires and tubes for light aircraft, business aviation, helicopters and airliners. As an authorized distributor for major tire brands, Watts strengthens the combined company’s international distribution presence, particularly in Europe.
Prior to acquiring Desser, Graham Partners identified Watts as a primary add-on acquisition candidate for the business, and worked aggressively to pursue the acquisition. Watts enhances Desser’s global footprint and further solidifies Desser’s commitment to be a global leader in specialty aerospace distribution. Moreover, the combination of Watts and Desser creates the opportunity to enhance service to its current customers via its broadened, transatlantic footprint, and win new customers as a result of its extended geographical reach. The newly-expanded company will continue its focus on providing its customers exceptional levels of product support and service.
Chris Lawler, Managing Principal at Graham Partners, states, “Graham Partners and Desser are excited to partner with Watts’ management team. Desser and Watts possess complementary customer relationships and geographic strength, and we expect a smooth integration that will produce significant benefits.”
About Desser (www.desser.com)
Desser Tire & Rubber Company, headquartered in Montebello, CA, with an additional facility in Memphis, TN, is a leading, specialty aviation supplier offering aircraft tires and tubes to OEM and aftermarket customers in over 100 countries. Desser also holds Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approvals for high speed aircraft tire retreading and wheel and brake services, and produces aviation transparencies for aftermarket applications.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chris Lawler (clawler@grahampartners.net)
Christina Morin (cmorin@grahampartners.net)
Tel: (610) 408-0500 / Fax: (610) 408-0600
www.grahampartners.net
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