AE Industrial Partners, LP (AEI) – a private equity firm specializing in aerospace, national security, and industrial services – recently announced that affiliates of AEI have completed the sale of American Pacific Corporation, a leading specialty materials manufacturer of critical chemicals for some of the U.S. Government’s most vital military and space programs, to NewMarket for $700 million in cash.
Launched in 1955, American Pacific produces highly specialized chemicals through proprietary processes for use in missile defense, space launch, pharmaceutical, and fire suppression applications. And the company (based in Cedar City, Utah) produces performance additives used in solid rocket motors for space launch and military defense. American Pacific works on several NASA and Department of Defense programs, serving these organizations for over 60 years. Plus, American Pacific also manufactures Halotron BrX, a clean and environmentally friendly fire extinguishing agent that replaces existing legacy high ozone-depleting fire extinguishing solutions.
Guggenheim Securities, LLC and 3Wire Partners served as financial advisors, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to AEI on the transaction.
KEY QUOTES:
“Since investing in American Pacific in 2020, we have worked with the management team to support their growth strategy and their mission to deliver critical solutions that empower U.S. national security and space exploration. It has been gratifying to help the Company strengthen its leadership position and support of customers while delivering a positive outcome for our investors. We wish the American Pacific team continued success as they move forward to their next stage.”
— Kirk Konert, Managing Partner at AEI
“AEI has been a first-rate investment partner to our business over the past three years, providing pivotal guidance, industry knowledge and resources that have helped us continue our growth trajectory and evolve our offerings. As we open our next chapter, we are excited about what we have been able to achieve together.”
— Hal Murdock, CEO of American Pacific
