Private Equity Backs Beaufort for Next-Gen Defense Survival Tech

ELLESMERE PORT, U.K. – January 06, 2026 – In a significant move signaling confidence in the growing defense technology market, private equity firms Capitol Meridian Partners and Stellex Capital Management have completed their acquisition of Beaufort, the specialist aerospace and defense survival equipment division of Survitec. The carve-out establishes Beaufort as an independent, standalone company poised for significant investment and growth, with a renewed focus on providing life-saving technology for global military forces.

Industry veteran Raanan Horowitz, a former CEO of Engility and a seasoned Lockheed Martin executive, has been appointed as the new Board Chair. He joins the existing leadership team led by CEO Dom Cartwright, who will continue in his role, ensuring leadership continuity as the company embarks on this new chapter. The transaction, the financial terms of which were not disclosed, marks a strategic pivot for Beaufort, transforming it from a division within a larger corporation into a focused platform backed by investors with deep expertise in the aerospace and defense sector.

A Critical Supplier Enters a New Era

Headquartered in Ellesmere Port, UK, Beaufort has long been a cornerstone of the defense supply chain, though often operating behind the scenes. The company is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mission-critical survival equipment across air, land, and sea domains. With a workforce of 1,200 people spread across facilities in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia, its products are integral to the safety and performance of military personnel worldwide.

Beaufort is particularly renowned for its advanced Aircrew Equipment Assemblies (AEA), which are sophisticated, integrated systems that protect pilots on some of the world's most advanced military aircraft. Its portfolio includes high-performance flight jackets, anti-G trousers that prevent pilot blackout during high-speed maneuvers, submarine escape systems, immersion suits for naval operations, and a range of specialized liferafts. These are not off-the-shelf products; they are highly engineered solutions supplied to major clients, including the U.S. Department of Defense, the UK Ministry of Defence, and leading defense prime contractors like Lockheed Martin for the F-35 program.

The market for such specialized gear is robust and expanding. Driven by global military modernization programs and the emergence of new battlefield threats, the aircraft survivability equipment market is projected to grow significantly, with some estimates placing its value at over $6 billion by 2030. By becoming an independent entity, Beaufort is better positioned to compete with other specialized manufacturers like Gentex Corporation and Switlik Parachute Co. for these lucrative, long-term contracts.

The Private Equity Playbook in Defense

The acquisition represents a classic private equity strategy applied to the modern defense industry: identify a high-performing, mission-critical asset within a larger company and provide it with the capital and strategic focus to unlock its full potential. For Capitol Meridian and Stellex, Beaufort is a platform investment in a sector with strong tailwinds from increasing global defense spending.

In a joint statement, Adam Palmer, Founding Partner of Capitol Meridian, and Karthik Achar, Partner at Stellex, articulated this vision. “Beaufort epitomizes our strategy of investing in essential aerospace and defense platforms. We expect to support Beaufort’s next phase of growth through portfolio expansion, operational investment, and strategic acquisitions.”

This “buy-and-build” approach suggests that the acquisition of Beaufort is just the first step. The new owners plan to fuel organic growth by investing in research and development to expand the product line while also actively seeking complementary acquisitions to broaden Beaufort's capabilities and market share. This strategy could lead to further consolidation within the niche survival equipment sector, creating a more formidable and integrated supplier for allied militaries.

For Survitec, the divestiture is a strategic realignment. Selling the aerospace and defense division allows the company to concentrate its resources on its other core markets, such as marine and industrial safety, while ensuring Beaufort is placed with owners who can nurture its specialized focus.

Veteran Leadership to Steer Growth

The appointment of Raanan Horowitz as Board Chair is a clear signal of the new owners' ambitious plans. Horowitz brings a wealth of experience from the highest echelons of the U.S. defense industry. As the former President and CEO of government services firm Engility and a long-time executive at Lockheed Martin, he has a deep understanding of government procurement, national security priorities, and the management of complex, technology-driven defense programs.

His leadership is expected to be instrumental in deepening Beaufort's relationships with key government customers and navigating the intricate landscape of defense contracting. His track record suggests a focus on operational excellence and technological innovation, aligning perfectly with the goal of positioning Beaufort as a premier provider of next-generation survival solutions.

“I am honored to join Dom and his leadership team as we embark on leveraging Beaufort’s decades of survival-technology development and manufacturing, expanding its global business and solidifying its position as a premier provider of mission-critical, lifesaving solutions for the most demanding applications,” Mr. Horowitz stated.

CEO Dom Cartwright also emphasized the benefits of the new ownership structure. “As we begin this next chapter with Capitol Meridian and Stellex, Beaufort gains partners with deep experience in aerospace and defense, global reach, and a long-term investment approach,” he commented. “Their support will allow us to build on our strong reputation, expand our capabilities and continue innovating in support of the hardworking warfighters who rely on our products every day.” With fresh capital, dedicated ownership, and seasoned leadership at the helm, Beaufort is now positioned to not only continue its legacy but also to redefine the standards of survival technology for the modern warfighter.