New Berlin-based A&A Manufacturing Co. Inc. has been acquired by London-based international investment manager 3i Group plc and its management.
A&A, which also has a European headquarters in Germany, manufactures niche engineered, mission critical protective equipment that extends equipment life and ensures employee safety, usually in the industrial sector.
3i is investing about $110 million in A&A. The enterprise value of the transaction is $202.5 million. Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. served as an advisor to 3i in the transaction.
A&A has 474 employees worldwide and revenues of about $91 million. It recently acquired two German companies in its market.
According to a release from 3i, A&A will continue to grow in Europe and Asia, both organically and through acquisition, with the help of the 3i network. It will also strengthen its North American position by developing new products and growing into new end markets.
“A&A’s strength lies within its product design capabilities and this is reflected in its market leading position,” said Ken Hanau, managing partner of 3i North America. “It is a great business and we look forward to working with the management team to help accelerate its expansion into international markets.”
“3i was a natural choice of partner for A&A,” said Brian McSharry, chief executive of A&A. “With their international network and local market insight, we will be able to accelerate our international growth strategy and be best placed to service our global customer base.”