Aerospace, Defence and Security

Geopolitical shifts, heightened security concerns and the drive for strategic autonomy have placed renewed focus on aerospace, defence and security efforts globally. The growing complexity of this eco-system, with globalised supply chains vying against increasing national protectionism, continues to shape this evolving landscape.

With a deep understanding of global aerospace, defence and security sectors and a presence in key jurisdictions, we excel in navigating the complexities in strategic transactions and cooperations, technological advancements and the protection of related intellectual property and systems. The number and variety of mandates we have advised on gives us an invaluable pool of experience and ensures we are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to support strategic objectives.

Our recent global experience

• Thyssenkrupp: advising on the preparation and implementation of the spin-off of the naval business TKMS.
• John Cockerill: advising on its proposed acquisition of the French leading manufacturer of defense vehicles Arquus. from Volvo group.
• German Government: advising on a cornerstone investment in an international venture capital fund investing in technology start-ups for defence and security.
• UK Ministry of Defence: advising on (i) its £4.2bn acquisition of a further five Type 26 Frigates from BAE Systems Surface Ships Ltd . (ii) on the competitive tender for, and construction of, the UK's new Type 31 class of naval warship.
• RTX: advising on the sale of its actuation business to Safran.
• BAE Systems: advising on various matters incl. its Eurosystems JV with Finmeccanica in numerous jurisdictions and its the long-term partnering agreement with the Ministry of Defence to rationalise the UK munitions sector.
• B/E Aerospace: advising on various transactions incl. its acquisition of E-Mug Technologies' aerospace engineering and research and development business in India.
• United Technologies Corporation: advising on various transactions incl. its US$16.5bn acquisition of Goodrich Corporation – UTC’s biggest deal in a decade, (ii) its US$3.46bn disposal of its pumps and compressors business and (iii) the disposal of an aircraft engine repair business to Metal Technology Co. Ltd.
• Thales: advising on corporate/M&A, litigation, pensions, and real estate matters.
• Rheinmetall: advising, inter alia, on its issuance of €500m 1.875% Convertible Bonds due 2028 and on its issuance of €500m 2.250% Convertible Bonds due 2030.