KippsDeSanto & Co. advises BEI Precision Systems & Space Company on its acquisition of Wenzel Associates, Inc.
KippsDeSanto & Co. advises BEI Precision Systems & Space Company on its acquisition of Wenzel Associates, Inc.
KippsDeSanto & Co. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Wenzel Associates, Inc., by our client, BEI Precision Systems & Space Company, Inc. (“BEI Precision”), a portfolio company of J.F. Lehman & Company (“JFLCO”).
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Wenzel is at the forefront in the design and manufacture of crystal oscillators, fixed frequency systems, integrated microwave assemblies, and synthesizers for military, space, and commercial applications. This marks the second acquisition BEI Precision has made since it was acquired by JFLCO in April 2017, and further solidifies BEI Precision’s robust portfolio of high-end positioning sensor solutions.
Similar to BEI Precision, Wenzel products are differentiated via their ability to provide the highest performance (e.g., lowest phase noise) reliably in extreme environments. Wenzel’s oscillators are key components on numerous military and space platforms, typically on a sole source basis. Notable examples of Wenzel’s past work include providing space-flight hardware for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter for NASA, as well as oscillators for the Mars Pathfinder Lander and the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (“NPOESS”). Currently, Wenzel is engaged to supply oscillators for numerous radar and electronic warfare systems found on high-profile aviation, land and naval platforms. BEI Precision intends to leverage Wenzel’s position on these noteworthy programs to further penetrate existing and tangential customer opportunities. The acquisition of Wenzel further deepens BEI Precision’s existing base of high-end engineering talent, along with offering additional manufacturing and testing capabilities in Austin.
About KippsDeSanto & Co. KippsDeSanto & Co. is an investment banking firm focused on serving growth-oriented Aerospace / Defense, Government Services and Technology companies. We are focused on delivering exceptional M&A and Financing transaction results to our clients via leveraging our scale, creativity and industry experience. We help market leaders realize their full strategic value. Having advised on over 100 industry transactions, KippsDeSanto is recognized for our analytical rigor, market insight, and broad industry relationships. There’s no substitute for experience. For more information, visit www.kippsdesanto.com.
Press Release
BEI Precision Announces Acquisition of Wenzel Associates, Inc.
October 23, 2019
NEW YORK – BEI Precision Systems & Space Company, Inc. (“BEI Precision”), a portfolio company of investment affiliates of J.F. Lehman & Company (“JFLCO”), announced today the recent acquisition of Wenzel Associates, Inc. (“Wenzel”).
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Wenzel is a leading designer and manufacturer of crystal oscillators, fixed frequency systems, integrated microwave assemblies and synthesizers for military, space and commercial markets. Since 1978, Wenzel has defined the state-of-the-art in ultra-low phase noise crystal oscillators, manufacturing products that are capable of highly reliable and precise performance in extreme environments. Wenzel is supported by its Croven Crystals division in Whitby, Ontario, which supplies precision quartz resonators with extremely low noise and low sensitivity to vibration. Wenzel is the second add-on acquisition completed by BEI Precision under JFLCO’s sponsorship.
BEI Precision is a leader in high-accuracy positioning sensor technologies, providing advanced design, manufacturing and testing for reliable and resilient products and systems. BEI Precision’s core product lines, which are used primarily in mission-critical defense and space applications, include optical encoder-based and resolver-based positioning systems, scanners for situational awareness requirements and precision accelerometers. BEI Precision is headquartered in Maumelle, Arkansas with an operating subsidiary in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has a longstanding track record of technological innovation, with corporate roots dating back to 1862.
Mark Mirelez, Chief Executive Officer of BEI Precision, commented, “Our partnership with Wenzel will further strengthen both organizations’ abilities to meet the unique and evolving requirements of our customers, particularly in the space and military markets.”
“The Wenzel acquisition further enhances BEI Precision’s reputation as a provider of the highest-performance advanced sensing and positioning solutions for critical applications,” said Steve Brooks, Partner at JFLCO. “We are excited to welcome Wenzel and its strong engineering-focused culture to the BEI Precision platform,” added Will Hanenberg, Principal at JFLCO.
KippsDeSanto & Co. served as financial advisor to BEI Precision and JFLCO, and Jones Day (lead counsel) and Baker Hostetler (international trade, government contracts and defense security compliance matters) provided legal counsel. Sperry, Mitchell & Company served as financial advisor to Wenzel while McGinnis Lockridge were Wenzel’s legal representatives for the transaction.
