NP Aerospace acquires Jankel Armouring
The assets of Jankel Armouring have been sold to UK defence technology firm NP Aerospace by joint administrators. The process was overseen by professionals from Alvarez & Marsal.
Founded in 1955, The Jankel Group’s current portfolio of products and services is wholly defence and security focused. This covers the design, development, prototyping and production of armoured vehicles, light tactical vehicles, counter terrorism vehicles and equipment, and customised occupant survivability solutions for military, security, government, aid agencies and NGOs.
In February 2024, the UK headquartered group placed its subsidiary Jankel Armouring into administration. Following a sales process throughout the first half of the year, NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has completed the acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring.
James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented, “The announcement of the acquisition of Jankel Armouring Limited’s assets marks a significant phase of growth for the company, creating additional value for customers through new business synergies. Our immediate priority is to push forward with existing customer contracts and deliver successful programmes to a global customer base. Beyond that, this announcement is good news for the defence industry, enabling continuation of capability, products and supply, whilst enhancing a very strong global defence export line, under the NP Aerospace brand.”
Based in Coventry, NP Aerospace is a major exporter of survivability systems developed using ultra-lightweight, high performance materials including ballistic helmets and shields.
The deal includes Jankel Armouring’s intellectual property, patents and inventory and the right to transfer, assign or novate existing contracts. Having received UK National Security and Investment Act approval, NP Aerospace can also formally engage with key customers, including the Belgian MoD and UK Ministry of Defence regarding the delivery of former Jankel Armouring contracts.
With an existing pedigree of successful defence vehicle production, integration and support activities, NP Aerospace is ideally positioned to deliver on customer requirements, bringing production programs through to successful conclusion, onshore in the UK. At the same time, the acquisition will allow NP Aerospace to integrate a globally proven and successful vehicle product and support line into their already strong portfolio, which will now include Jankel Armouring Limited’s tactical vehicles, civilian armoured vehicles, armour technologies, seating systems and through life support services.
The move also sees NP Aerospace secure talent from the original Jankel Armouring staff including pivotal engineers and critical executives with the required knowledge of the acquired assets. In addition, it is expected that the acquisition will create or sustain around 60-70 skilled jobs.
The acquisition does not include any aspect of, or formal relationship with the US based Jankel business, including Jankel Tactical Systems. It also does not include any liability to former creditors, which sits in the hands of the joint administrators, Alvarez and Marsal.
Joint Administrator Mike Denny commented, “The completion of the sale of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited to NP Aerospace will provide continuity to its customer base and create new opportunities for some of its skilled workforce. We are confident that the business will thrive under the ownership of NP Aerospace.”
