Daventry firms sold Stateside in post-Brexit vote deal

US-based Safariland has swooped for Daventry-based protective equipment business LBA International, and its sister company Aegis Engineering.

The deal, the value of which was undisclosed, will expand Safariland’s international footprint.

Safariland Group is a leading global provider of a broad range of safety and survivability products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets.

Founded in 1990, Aegis is a manufacturer of personal protective apparel and equipment, including body armor, ballistic helmets, shields, blankets and rifle plates.

Founded in 1976, LBA is a leading global provider of protective equipment, including hard armor plates and ballistic helmets to law enforcement officers.

Deloitte Midlands acted as lead advisor to the main shareholder of the two Daventry companies.

Darren Boocock, partner at Deloitte in the Midlands, said: “This really is a win-win situation. Safariland has acquired market-leading European businesses and Aegis and LBA will have the support they need to help secure the numerous opportunities available.
“This deal was undertaken in the post-EU referendum vote period and is the fourth significant sale to a US buyer that the Deloitte Midlands team has completed in the last 12 months. It demonstrates the continued strong interest of overseas acquirers in strategic UK assets, particularly those from the US.

“The deal is also another example of the benefit of clients getting the right advice from their advisory team, who need to be experienced in the complexities of cross-border transactions. It was great to have the Midlands Eversheds team alongside us on this particular deal.”