Kaman Corp. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Arcline Investment Management, L.P. (“Arcline”), a growth-oriented private equity firm with deep experience investing in technology-driven, meaningful-to-the-world industrial businesses, in an all-cash transaction with a total enterprise value of approximately $1.8 billion. Upon completion of the transaction, Kaman will become a privately held company. Under the terms of the agreement, Kaman shareholders will receive $46.00 per share in cash. The per share purchase price represents a premium of approximately 105% over Kaman’s closing share price on January 18, 2024, the last full trading day prior to the transaction announcement, and a premium of approximately 110% over the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of Kaman common stock for the 90 days ending January 18, 2024. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the Kaman Board of Directors, is expected to close in the first half of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Kaman shareholders and receipt of required regulatory approvals. Following its unanimous approval of the transaction, the Kaman Board of Directors recommends that Kaman shareholders vote in favor of the transaction. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition. Arcline intends to fund the transaction with a combination of committed debt and equity financing. Upon completion of the transaction, Kaman will become a wholly owned subsidiary of investment funds managed by Arcline and Kaman’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public stock exchange.
“Following robust engagement with Arcline and careful evaluation of other potential value creation opportunities, we are pleased to have reached this agreement. Given the rigorous review of alternatives we recently completed, we are confident this transaction maximizes value for shareholders and is in the best interest of Kaman as well as our employees, customers and other stakeholders. Over the last several quarters, we have made significant progress executing our strategy by transforming our portfolio, through investing in innovation, pivoting to new growth technologies, and optimizing the Company’s cost structure. Arcline recognizes the strength of Kaman’s leadership and team, product portfolio and outstanding employees, and we look forward to benefitting from increased resources, expertise and flexibility as a private company post-closing. We thank Kaman’s many valued employees for helping us reach this important milestone in the Company’s history,” said Ian K. Walsh, Kaman Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Arcline said, “We have tremendous respect and admiration for Kaman’s team, history, and its portfolio of brands. Kaman has long been a trusted solutions provider of engineered components and subsystems to mission-critical markets, and we believe the Company is in a strong position to grow and benefit from attractive tailwinds. We look forward to working closely with Ian and the rest of the talented Kaman team to drive further growth through accelerated investments in both new product development and strategic acquisitions.”
Arcline Investment Management is a growth-oriented private equity firm with $8.9 billion in cumulative capital commitments. Arcline seeks to invest in technology driven, meaningful-to-the-world industrial businesses that enable a better future. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Kaman, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Wiggin and Dana LLP are acting as legal counsel to Kaman. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Arcline and Latham & Watkins LLP and Paul Hastings LLP are acting as legal counsel to Arcline.
Kaman Corporation is an American aerospace company, with headquarters in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Kaman produces and markets proprietary aircraft bearings and components; super precision, miniature ball bearings; proprietary spring energized seals, springs and contacts; wheels, brakes and related hydraulic components for helicopters, fixed-wing and UAV aircraft; complex metallic and composite aerostructures for commercial, military and general aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft; safe and arming solutions for missile and bomb systems for the U.S. and allied militaries; subcontract helicopter work; restoration, modification and support of our SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopters; support of our heavy lift K-MAX® manned helicopter; and development of the KARGO UAV unmanned aerial system, a purpose built autonomous medium lift logistics vehicle. It was founded in 1945 by Charles Kaman. Kaman Corporation, founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, conducts business in the aerospace & defense, industrial and medical markets. During the first ten years the company operated exclusively as a designer and manufacturer of several helicopters that set world records and achieved many aviation firsts. In 1956, Kaman began to diversify as an aerospace subcontractor of McDonnell Douglas, Grumman, and others. In the mid-1960s Kaman diversified outside of the aerospace industry, using the expertise Kaman had gained in composite materials and the end of the need for skilled woodworkers to craft wooden rotor blades.
