How we helped ADDEV Materials buy Graytone

Since 2016, it has been the ambition of ADDEV Materials Group to become an international leading player in the field of aeronautics, space and defence, by creating a dedicated business unit. The acquisition of the Graytone Group and its subsidiaries Pexa and PSG, is a move towards realising that ambition. Both companies specialise in added value services and expert distribution of surface treatments, coatings, chemicals, composites and other materials mainly dedicated to the aerospace & defence markets. This activity is supported by a high level of customer service and technical expertise.

For more than 10 years, ADDEV Materials has offered its customers innovative and responsible materials solutions, centered around the three key elements "materials – converting – service". Historically focused on the converting of flexible materials, such as adhesive tapes or technical films, ADDEV Materials has expanded its know-how to liquid custom packaging solutions, adhesives and chemicals, through the acquisition of DIMEX (Toulouse) in 2015 and VMS aircraft (San Diego, USA) in 2016. The acquisition of Pexa and PSG is therefore part of the company's strategy to expand its supply range of adhesives, sealants and chemicals, to include paints and coatings, together with value added activities such as small batch manufacturing, tinting and decanting.

Smith & Williamson advised ADDEV Materials on the acquisition having initially identified and approached Graytone on ADDEV Material’s behalf.

Julien Duvanel, ADDEV Materials CEO and Aerospace & Defense Business Unit CEO, said:

“We expect excellent synergies from the Graytone project in Europe and Middle East. We believe we can achieve significant cross fertilization as an “Adhesives & Chemicals” custom made solutions expert, with our worldwide customers, our world-class manufacturers’ partners and our geographical position in Europe and North America. The team at Smith & Williamson advised on this cross-border transaction, with the assistance of Oaklins France. They understood our vision and strategic criteria. It was their expertise of working on international processes that was central to the successful completion of this acquisition.”

Amanda Phillips said “Smith & Williamson are delighted to have advised ADDEV Materials on its first UK acquisition, as the group continues to expand its international capabilities. This is a further demonstration of Oaklins cross border strategy of delivering local knowledge alongside specialist expertise. We worked alongside the ADDEV Materials management team and Oaklins France, utilising their aerospace sector knowledge, to deliver a successful transaction and we wish this fast growing and evolving group all the best for the future.”

Julie Hughes and Olivier Morel of Cripps LLP provided legal advice on the transaction.

For further information please contact:
Amanda Phillips
M: + 44 7455 838335
E: amanda.phillips@evelyn.com