Global investment firm Carlyle has announced a €290 million financing package to strengthen and expand Mecachrome Group, a leading European supplier of high-precision components for the aerospace and defense sectors.
The funding, provided through Carlyle’s Global Credit platform, will refinance existing debt and deliver new capital to accelerate Mecachrome’s industrial growth, increase manufacturing capacity, and pursue strategic acquisitions.
Founded in 1937, Mecachrome Group has become a prominent tier-1 partner to major aircraft and engine manufacturers, supplying high-precision aerostructure and engine components across commercial aviation, defense programs, and motorsports. The company operates more than 20 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America, and North Africa, supporting major customers such as Airbus, Boeing, Safran, Dassault Aviation, Bombardier, and Rolls-Royce. Its role has become increasingly critical as aircraft production scales to meet global demand fueled by record order backlogs and rising defense spending.
Mecachrome has been majority-owned by Tikehau Capital since 2020. Through its aerospace, defense, and digital security platform established in 2018, Tikehau has also built strategic partnerships with Airbus, Safran, Dassault Aviation, and Thales. The fresh financing from Carlyle is expected to reinforce Mecachrome’s ability to handle rising production volumes and continue its long-term transformation strategy.
The transaction adds to Carlyle Global Credit’s growing activity in France, following recent financings for Argon, Fitness Park, and ADDEV. With supply chain resilience becoming a priority across the aerospace and defense industries, the deal highlights the growing role private credit plays in enabling suppliers to scale operations and support mission-critical programs.
KEY QUOTES:
“As aircraft production and defense investment accelerate globally, the industry relies on trusted partners like Mecachrome to expand capacity and maintain delivery performance. This transaction supports that growth, strengthening Mecachrome Group’s ability to meet higher volumes, invest in its operations, and continue its role as a key contributor to Europe’s aerospace and defense ecosystem.”
Otto Alaoui, Managing Director, Carlyle Global Credit
“We are delighted to partner with Carlyle. This transaction enables us to advance the next stage of Mecachrome’s industrial transformation and will be critical as we look to scale capacity, drive operational excellence, and meet the growing needs of our customers across major aerospace and defense programs.”
Christian Cornille, President and CEO, Mecachrome Group
