SECA Automatismes, a recognised player in on-board electronics and test benches for major clients in civil and military aeronautics for over 40 years, has joined the Alkan Group, the European leader in carry-on and ejection systems.
At the end of a process carried out in less than 5 months by Aurignac Finance, advisors to the two shareholders, Michel Nespoulous and Yves Jacquin-Depeyre, SECA Automatismes has been sold to the Alkan Group. Founded in 1978 and based in Saint-Soupplets (77), this SME specialises in the design, assembly and maintenance of high added-value electronic, electromechanical and IT equipment for the aerospace and defence sectors, particularly in France through Dassault’s Rafale programme. Headed by Franck Hayoun for almost 20 years, SECA Automatismes now has sales of over €7 million and a workforce of almost 30.
For the Alkan Group, headed by Armand Carlier and supported by the Chevrillon Group and IDI, this strategic acquisition is designed to complement the expertise of the French leader in carry-on and ejection systems in the fields of electronics, test facilities, cabling and on-board equipment, in order to create a European centre of excellence in the aeronautical equipment sector, with future sales of nearly €50 million, 55% of which will be generated internationally.
“Aurignac Finance had contacted us for a previous transaction, and their excellent knowledge of the sector convinced us to entrust them with the mandate to sell SECA. Their mastery of the process enabled us to complete this transaction under the best possible conditions, while allowing the company to become part of a dynamic group“. (Michel Nespoulous, selling owner).
“This is our 4th deal in the aerospace and defence sector in the last 18 months, and it reinforces Aurignac Finance’s expertise in these sectors. The in-depth knowledge of the aerospace and defence value chain and its national and international players that we have built up over the last few years has clearly contributed to the efficiency and smooth running of the process. A number of potential buyers were quickly identified and showed a strong interest in SECA, including the Alkan group. The Alkan Group quickly emerged as a highly relevant candidate, both from an industrial point of view, with its highly complementary expertise, and in terms of the many commercial synergies between the two structures“. (Raphaël Brenier, Partner at Aurignac Finance).
