Houlihan Lokey Advises Noe Industries

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that investment holding company Noe Industries has sold UCELIA to NEXTEAM Group.

Founded in 2020, Noe Industries is an investment holding company specialising in majority investments in French industrial companies requiring capital and expertise to execute a transformation plan or in the context of a carve-out transaction.

Based in Ussel, France (Corrèze), UCELIA specialises in the manufacturing of critical and complex aluminium components for the aerospace, space, and defence markets. UCELIA serves leading clients, including Safran, ArianeGroup, Dassault Aviation, Airbus, and Pratt & Whitney Canada.

Acquired by Noe Industries in February 2023, UCELIA benefitted from significant investments enabling a comprehensive transformation of its processes and production capacity. Over this period, the workforce increased from 250 to 330 employees.

NEXTEAM Group, a French industrial group specialising in the aerospace and defence sectors, is recognised for its expertise in machining, foundry, welding, and surface treatment of metal parts. The group employs 2,200 people.

NEXTEAM Group is committed to retaining all employees, continuing the modernisation of the industrial facilities, and reaffirming its full confidence in UCELIA’s current management team.

“Since our investment in early 2023, Noe Industries has supported UCELIA through an ambitious industrial transformation,” said Pierre Escolier, Managing Partner at Noe Industries. “We have made substantial investments in the company’s capacity and operational efficiency. During this period, the workforce increased by more than 20% and revenue grew by more than 50%, while restoring operating margins. We are proud of the journey accomplished alongside UCELIA and its outstanding team. The project led by NEXTEAM Group provides UCELIA with strong industrial backing to serve strategic and demanding markets, reinforcing French sovereignty objectives, in the best interests of its employees, customers, and local communities.”

Houlihan Lokey served as the sellside financial advisor to Noe Industries.

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