GracoRoberts announced it closed the acquisition of Able Aerospace Adhesives on December 30, 2020 to extend its footprint in the international aerospace specialty chemicals market, most prominently in the Asia-Pacific Region. Additionally, the acquisition brings with it another 36 years of aerospace relationships and expertise, with an even deeper concentration in the military and MRO markets, amplifying the company's already sound position as the largest and most specification-driven aerospace specialty chemicals distributor in North America.
The addition of 8-time Boeing Excellence award winner Able Aerospace Adhesives to the GracoRoberts' portfolio means even more custom value-added services, coupled with the same intense focus on world-class quality to support the evolving needs of its customer and supplier partners. The introduction of RFID, more custom labeling capabilities, a sizeable increase in freezer storage capacity, international logistics and distribution expertise and a team of tenured sales and service professionals all add tremendous value to the stakeholder experience.
"We are thrilled to have the customer-focused team from Able Aerospace Adhesives join the GracoRoberts' family. Together we will offer a broader range of products and value-added services on a global scale," said Jason Caldwell, President and CEO of GracoRoberts. "The Able customer base brings considerable international, MRO, and military focus to our aerospace business model, which nicely rounds out our existing leadership position in North America," he continued.
Mukesh Desai, President of Able Aerospace Adhesives, also commented on the integration, and his decision to partner with GracoRoberts after more than three decades operating his own companies. "At Able Aerospace, we have developed a unique niche of international and military customers. By joining the GracoRoberts' family, we can now provide a considerably larger platform of aerospace chemicals and services to our customer base. We are honored to be part of GracoRoberts."
With nearly 30 years of experience providing growth capital to the aerospace, defense and federal services sectors, CM Equity Partners, the private equity sponsor of GracoRoberts, supports the acquisition, continuing a strong track record of growth and enabling GracoRoberts to better serve its customers and suppliers domestically and abroad.
Over the next 30 days, the leaders of both companies will finalize and implement a transition plan to bring the two organizations together as one. Until the integration is complete, both groups' customers and suppliers can expect business as usual.
