Defense aftermarket leader to serve as beachhead for FDH platform

FDH Aero (“FDH”), an aerospace and defense products distributor serving aircraft production and aftermarket supply chains, announced today it has acquired Unical Defense, LLC (“UDI” or “Unical Defense”), a global provider of aftermarket component parts and logistics services for military aircraft, from affiliates of UDI’s founders.

Founded in 2015 and based in City of Industry, CA, Unical Defense provides its global defense customer base with a comprehensive aftermarket services solution for parts procurement and repair management. Serving more than 600 customers across the U.S., Asia, and EMEA, UDI has become a supplier of choice for leading government contractors, military fleet managers, and defense procurement divisions.

“We are excited to partner with the entire UDI team to support them at this inflection point in the company’s growth trajectory,” said Scott Tucker, CEO of FDH Aero. “We believe that bringing UDI into the FDH family complements and accelerates our broader strategic priority of growth in the global defense aftermarket. This acquisition further reinforces our commitment to high-touch customer service and expands our supplier partnership strategy.”

“FDH is an ideal fit for UDI as we continue to grow and invest in the business,” said Alice Zhang, existing leader of UDI and incoming Vice President of FDH’s Aftermarket Defense division. “With the strength of FDH’s existing inventory and long-term supplier OEM relationships, UDI will be able to broaden its ability to serve U.S. and international customers while maintaining the same level of quality and service that our customers have come to expect from us.”

Unical Defense is FDH’s tenth acquisition, and eighth completed since Audax Private Equity invested in the company in 2017.

ABOUT FDH AERO

FDH Aero is a leading distributor of aerospace hardware, replacement parts, and chemicals to commercial and defense aircraft manufacturers, subcontractors, component distributors, commercial airlines, and MRO/aftermarket solution providers. FDH is headquartered in El Segundo, CA and has operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. For more information, please visit www.fdhaero.com.

ABOUT UNICAL DEFENSE

Unical Defense is a leading full-service aftermarket component parts solutions provider to military-focused customers across the globe. Unical Defense is headquartered in City of Industry, CA and services customers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.unicaldefense.com.

ABOUT AUDAX PRIVATE EQUITY

Audax Group is a leading alternative investment manager with offices in Boston, New York, and San Francisco. Since its founding in 1999, the firm has raised over $30 billion in capital across its Private Equity and Private Debt businesses. Audax Private Equity has invested over $7 billion in more than 145 platforms and over 1,000 add-on companies, and is currently investing out of its $3.5 billion, sixth private equity fund. Through its disciplined Buy & Build approach, Audax seeks to help platform companies execute add-on acquisitions that fuel revenue growth, optimize operations, and significantly increase equity value. With more than 300 employees and over 100 investment professionals, the firm is a leading capital partner for North American middle market companies. For more information, visit the Audax Group website www.audaxgroup.com.

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