Greenbriar to Acquire Spectrum Control from AEA Investors

Investment to Support Next Phase of Growth for Established Provider of Mission-Critical RF and Microwave Solutions

GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Greenbriar Equity Group, L.P. (“Greenbriar”) announced today that funds managed by Greenbriar have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Spectrum Control (“Spectrum” or the “Company”), a leading independent developer and manufacturer of highly engineered radio frequency (“RF”) components and subsystems enabling analog-to-digital communications across defense and high-reliability industrial end markets, from AEA Investors (“AEA”). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1981, Spectrum has developed high-performance RF and microwave technologies for demanding aerospace, defense, space, and commercial applications. The Company provides components, modules, subsystems, and custom solutions that enable signal protection, conditioning, and processing across complex electronic systems. Spectrum combines deep engineering expertise with broad design and manufacturing capabilities to deliver highly reliable solutions tailored to its customers’ most demanding requirements.

Spectrum will continue to be led by President and CEO Rich Sorelle and its existing management team. Under Sorelle and Greenbriar, Spectrum will continue investing in its engineering capabilities, new product development, customer relationships, and manufacturing operations, further strengthening its position as an engineering-led provider of RF solutions.

“Over the past several years, our team has worked to build Spectrum Control into a leader in the RF component and subsystems space while remaining focused on solving our customers’ most demanding technical challenges and delivering the quality and reliability their missions require,” said Rich Sorelle, President and CEO of Spectrum. “AEA has been a highly supportive partner throughout that journey. As we enter our next chapter, Greenbriar’s deep aerospace and defense experience, collaborative approach, and resources make them an ideal partner to help us accelerate innovation, expand our capabilities, and continue investing in our people and customers.”

“Over the course of our partnership, Rich and his team strengthened Spectrum Control’s position as a leading innovator in RF and microwave technology,” said Vinay Kumar, Partner at AEA Investors. “Under their leadership, Spectrum has differentiated itself as a trusted solutions provider, well-positioned for sustained long-term growth as intelligence and autonomy become increasingly central to its customers’ mission-critical defense and aerospace systems. We’re proud of what we achieved together and we’re confident that Greenbriar will be an excellent partner for the Company’s next chapter.”

“Spectrum Control holds designed-in positions on some of the most important defense and aerospace platforms in production today, reflecting decades of customer trust and the Company’s differentiated engineering capabilities,” said Noah Blitzer, Managing Director at Greenbriar. “We look forward to partnering with Rich and the Spectrum team in this next phase of growth and are excited to support them as they continue to invest in new product development and expand their manufacturing capabilities to meet growing customer demand.”

The closing of the transaction is expected to be completed by Q1 2027, subject to customary closing conditions and other regulatory approvals.

Evercore and William Blair served as financial advisors to Spectrum and AEA. Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel to Greenbriar, and Fried Frank served as legal counsel to Spectrum and AEA.

About Spectrum Control

Spectrum Control is a global leader in managing and controlling the electromagnetic spectrum. For more than 70 years, the Company has developed reliable, high-performance technologies for conditioning and processing RF and microwave signals and protecting electronic equipment from electromagnetic interference. Spectrum Control designs and manufactures components, subsystems, and integrated solutions for mission-critical applications across aerospace, defense, space, and other high-reliability markets. For more information, please visit spectrumcontrol.com.

About Greenbriar

Greenbriar is a middle market private equity firm with more than 20 years of experience investing in market-leading services and manufacturing businesses. With more than $15 billion of assets under management, its investment strategy targets businesses led by experienced management teams capitalizing on strong long-term growth prospects that can benefit from Greenbriar’s deep sectoral expertise, strategic insight, and operating capabilities. For more information, please visit greenbriar.com.

About AEA Investors

AEA Investors (“AEA”) is a leading global alternative investment firm that has partnered with exceptional middle-market businesses for over 55 years. With a diversified suite of investment strategies spanning private equity and private credit, AEA has established itself as a trusted provider of comprehensive solutions to the middle market. Since its founding by the Rockefeller, Mellon, and Harriman family interests and S.G. Warburg & Co. in 1968, AEA has built an extraordinary network of investors, business leaders, operators, and advisors and a rich institutional knowledge base. Today, the firm manages approximately $19 billion in assets and operates through collaborative teams of skilled professionals around the world. Leveraging its deep expertise, extensive network, and robust resources, AEA seeks to deliver sustainable, long-term value. For more information, visit www.aeainvestors.com.