Aerospace Supplier Deals Near Record as Output Rises

Aerospace and defense manufacturing is entering a renewed expansion, with factories ramping up production but struggling to find enough skilled workers. More predictable Boeing and Airbus production schedules are also driving a resurgence in mergers and acquisitions across the supply chain, as buyers seek specialized capabilities, scarce labor and additional capacity. Janes Capital Partners recorded 154 publicly disclosed commercial aerospace transactions through August, nearly matching the annual record of 159 set in 2019, with a combined value of $14 billion. Major deals include GE Aerospace’s $12 billion acquisition of castings supplier Consolidated Precision Products and Parker Hannifin’s $2.6 billion purchase of Circor’s aerospace division. The activity reflects improving expectations for jet demand, though production-quality problems and persistent workforce shortages remain significant constraints.