British Defense Giant NP Aerospace Expands Portfolio with Jankel Acquisition

Key Points:

• NP Aerospace’s acquisition of Jankel Armouring Limited’s assets significantly expands its product portfolio and strengthens its position in the global defense market.
• The acquisition ensures continuity for Jankel’s customers, including the Belgian and UK Ministries of Defence, and secures the future of ongoing defense programs.
• The move is expected to create and sustain approximately 60-70 skilled jobs, strengthening the UK defense industry and contributing to the global defense export market.

NP Aerospace Acquires Jankel Assets

In a strategic move to strengthen its position in the global defense market, NP Aerospace, a leading UK-based manufacturer and integrator of advanced armor systems, has acquired select assets from the bankrupt Jankel Armouring Limited. The acquisition, which received approval under the UK National Security and Investment Act (NSIA), includes Jankel’s intellectual property, patents, inventory, and existing contracts.

Expanding Portfolio and Securing Continuity

This acquisition allows NP Aerospace to integrate Jankel’s tactical vehicles, civilian armored vehicles (CAVs), armor technologies, seating systems, and through-life support services into its existing portfolio. This move significantly expands NP Aerospace’s offerings and strengthens its vehicle production, armor solutions, and support services capabilities. The acquisition also ensures continuity for Jankel’s existing customers, including the Belgian and UK Ministries of Defence, as NP Aerospace now inherits their contracts and commitments.

Strengthening the Defense Industry

The acquisition of Jankel Armouring Limited’s assets by NP Aerospace is anticipated to positively impact the UK defense industry by creating and sustaining a significant number of skilled jobs. NP Aerospace plans to retain key personnel from Jankel, including engineers and executives, ensuring the preservation of valuable expertise and knowledge within the UK defense sector. This move is strategically significant as it directly contributes to the UK’s defense industry by safeguarding the livelihoods of skilled workers and maintaining a robust talent pool within the industry.

Furthermore, the acquisition demonstrates NP Aerospace’s commitment to supporting the UK’s global defense export capabilities. By integrating Jankel’s assets and expertise into its own operations, NP Aerospace expands its product portfolio and enhances its ability to compete in the international defense market. This increased capacity to offer a wider range of defense solutions will contribute to the UK’s overall defense export performance and bolster its position as a key player in the global defense industry.

Addressing the Belgian Army’s LTTV Concerns

The acquisition of Jankel Armouring’s assets is particularly significant for the Belgian Army, which faced uncertainty regarding completing its Light Tactical Transport Vehicle (LTTV) program after Jankel’s bankruptcy. The Belgian Ministry of Defence had contracted Jankel to deliver 199 LTTVs to replace their aging Unimog vehicles used by Special Operations Forces. However, the bankruptcy threatened the delivery and future support of the vehicles.

NP Aerospace’s acquisition now offers a potential resolution to these issues. The company has committed to fulfilling existing contracts, including the LTTV program, ensuring the Belgian Army’s Special Forces maintain operational capabilities.

Future Growth and Collaboration

James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, highlighted the significance of this acquisition: “This acquisition represents a significant phase of growth for the company, creating additional value for customers through new business synergies.” He emphasized the company’s immediate priority: “Our immediate priority is to push forward with existing customer contracts and deliver successful programs to a global customer base.”

Mike Denny, Joint Administrator from Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP, shared his confidence in the future of the acquired assets under NP Aerospace’s ownership: “The completion of the sale of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited to NP Aerospace will provide continuity to its customer base and create new opportunities for some of its skilled workforce. We are confident that the business will thrive under the ownership of NP Aerospace.”