On July 20th, 2026, BGF and other shareholders entered into a binding agreement to sell Walker Precision Engineering (“Walker”), a leading provider of mission-critical components for the fast-growing missile and airborne advanced technology defense markets, to Karman Space & Defense (NYSE: KRMN) (“Karman”), a U.S.-headquartered leader in the design, development and production of integrated systems for the space and defense sectors for total consideration of approximately $94 million or £70 million.
Since its inception in 1979, Walker has established multi-decade relationships with key defense primes developing a vertically integrated one-stop shop performing all critical processes in-house. BGF has held a minority investment since December 2017 and supported the business significantly to expand its operations in the UK and mainland Europe with specialist machinery, a purpose-built facility in Basildon and increased capacity at its manufacturing facility in Poland. Following the appointment of CEO George Adams and other senior leadership members, the business has significantly strengthened its operational capabilities, driving demand for new business.
The acquisition will support Karman’s global expansion strategy, providing a European launch pad to add to its 17 campuses across the U.S. Walker’s customers and technology capabilities represent a highly complementary fit with Karman’s, providing the joint customer base with an enhanced set of solutions to solve mission-critical challenges.
Kroll’s Aerospace Defense and Government Services Investment Banking Team served as exclusive financial advisor to Walker in connection with the transaction.