Stirling Dynamics Limited Acquired by Assystem Technologies

Enact Fund I (“Enact”) has sold Stirling Dynamics Limited (“Stirling”) to Assystem Technologies. 

Formed in 1987 as a spin-out of a university research department, Stirling today provides specialist engineering services and active control products for commercial and defence clients in the global aerospace and marine markets.  Based in Bristol, the business employs over 90 highly skilled staff with a wealth of knowledge of over 70 different aircraft types and support to 9 navies, worldwide.

Enact acquired a majority stake in Stirling from founder Bob Stirling in 2014 and were supported by the introduction of Mark Cook as Executive Chairman.  Stirling has subsequently grown by more than 15% per annum in addition to returning the business to high levels of profitability.  This has been recognised in a number of awards being received over the last 12 months, as well as inclusion within the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 for SME Exporters.  This is the final exit from Enact’s first fund where other exits include the sale of the West Cornwall Food Company to Samworth Brothers and Excelsior Technologies to Mondi Group.

The integration of Stirling extends Assystem Technologies’ existing aerospace and marine/naval capabilities, notably in the areas of landing gear, fuel systems and simulation systems.

Ed Ransome, Investment Director at Endless LLP, said:

“It has been a pleasure to support the remarkable story of Stirling over the last three years. The management team and employees should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved and we believe that with the support of Assystem Technologies as their new owners they will continue to prosper. Yet another South West business that delivers globally-recognised, best-in-class engineering expertise.”

Mark Cook, Executive Chairman of Stirling Dynamics, said:

“Stirling has a truly world-class engineering capability and the investment from Enact was the catalyst to unlock its business potential and deliver impressive growth in revenues and profits.  The Enact team have provided the optimum balance of support and challenge throughout the investment period, but clearly a lot of kudos also goes to the staff and management of Stirling.  They have adapted to significant change, adopted new strategies and applied themselves relentlessly to create a great UK company.  Under the leadership of Assystem Technologies I am confident the growth will continue and expand into new market sectors. ”

Olivier Aldrin, CEO of Assystem Technologies, said:

“I am delighted to welcome the Stirling team within Assystem Technologies. Our aerospace and marine customers have now access to an enhanced specialist engineering expertise, combined with new scale and truly global capabilities.”

Enact and Management were advised by Grant Thornton (Simon Woodcock and Andy Rice) and TLT (Andrew Webber and James Webb).  

Assystem Technologies were advised by Clearwater International (Paul Jones), KPMG (John Moth) and Napthens (Keith Melling).