News Review: Nova acquires AEA | ADM Nov 2010

Adelaide-based Nova Systems has purchased Aeronautical Engineers Australia (AEA) Aerospace Group Pty Ltd.

Nova Systems is Australia’s largest independent provider of specialist project and engineering services to Defence and Industry.

AEA will provide Nova additional specialist engineering support, predominately in the general aviation sector.

AEA was founded in 1978 and is a leading provider of aeronautical design and manufacturing services to the aviation industry and has a proven history of delivering quality and timely solutions to its diverse client base across all aircraft platforms.

The founder and current CEO Graham Swannell will be taking up the new position of Head of Design, and Nova will be appointing a new CEO.

In addition to working in the general aviation sector, AEA provides expert services to special mission operators, aero-medical operators, airlines (through its sister company Airline Technical Services), and defence organisations throughout Australia.

AEA provides support to Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors for a variety of defence projects.

The purchase of AEA is one of a number of planned acquisitions by Nova Systems in the Commercial Sector, taking Nova to over 175 staff across Australia with forecast revenue of $40 million.

It represents the next step towards achieving Nova’s strategic aspiration of being one of the top ten engineering consulting companies within Australia.