Historic Dunlop Aircraft Tyres sold to US firm

HISTORIC Birmingham manufacturer Dunlop Aircraft Tyres has been acquired by a US private equity house for £106 million.

New York-based Liberty Hall Capital Partners focuses on investments in businesses serving the global aerospace and defence industries.

Dunlop Aircraft Tyres, which was founded in 1910, operates from a base in Castle Browmich and factories in North Carolina and Jinjiang, China, employing a total of 570 staff.

Its products are found on more than 150 commercial, regional and military aircraft and it serves more than 300 global customers.

The existing management team, led by chief executive Gordon Roper, will remain in their roles after the acquisition from AAC Capital Partners, a firm which has owned the manufacturer since 2007.

Mr Roper said: “Management’s day-to-day focus will be on continuing to execute our successful business strategy. Liberty Hall, with its deep experience, knowledge and relationships within the global aerospace industry, is ideally positioned to help us accelerate the outstanding growth record that we have demonstrated in recent years.”

Liberty Hall’s Rowan Taylor added: “Our intention is to steward the legacy, reputation and brand name that Dunlop Aircraft Tyres has built over its 100-plus year lifetime to grow the company into an independent, global, diversified supplier of aircraft tyre products of the highest value.

“With a globally recognised brand, proven history of customer service, exemplary technology and a wellbalanced portfolio of platforms in the civil and military aircraft sectors, the business is ideally placed to continue to outperform the market.”