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Airbus, Safran and alternative asset management group Tikehau Capital announce that they have signed a binding agreement for the sale of the stake held by Tikehau Capital’s aerospace and defence fund in Aubert & Duval to its existing co-shareholders, Airbus and Safran.
The acquisition of Tikehau Capital’s stake will be acquired equally by Airbus and Safran.
The completion of the transaction remains subject in particular to the required regulatory approvals.
A strategic French industrial player, Aubert & Duval (aubertduval.com) is one of the world leaders in the design, production and processing of complex metallic materials, particularly specialist steels, superalloys, titanium and aluminum for critical sectors such as aerospace, defence, energy and healthcare. The company relies on recognised expertise across the entire value chain, from materials design to the manufacture of forged parts. It generates revenue of approximately €960 million and employs nearly 4,400 staff across ten industrial sites, eight of which are in France1.
Since the acquisition of Aubert & Duval in April 2023, Airbus, Safran and Tikehau Capital have led, alongside management and employees, a major transformation and turnaround phase for the company.
Aubert & Duval has strengthened its role in serving French and European industrial sovereignty. It also actively contributes to securing the supply of critical materials and the decarbonisation of the industry, notably through its titanium recycling activity.
This transaction will be carried out without affecting the current organisation of the teams, while Aubert & Duval continues to operate independently in serving its customers and suppliers.
Safran (safran-group.com) is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with more than 110,000 employees and revenue of 31.3 billion euros in 2025, and holds, alone or in partnership, global or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran undertakes research and development programs to maintain the environmental priorities of its R&T and Innovation roadmaps.
Airbus (airbus.com) pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus designs and manufactures modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in space systems, defence and security. In helicopters, Airbus provides efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.
Tikehau Capital (tikehaucapital.com) is a global alternative asset management group managing €53.0 billion of assets (as of 31 March 2026). The Group has developed a wide range of expertise across four asset classes: Credit, Real Assets, Private Equity, and Capital Markets Strategies. Capitalizing on its strong equity base (€3.1 billion as of 31 December 2025), Tikehau Capital invests its own capital alongside its investor-clients. The Group is guided by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and DNA, shared by its 723 employees (as of 31 March 2026) across 17 offices in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Press relations
Isabelle Javary - Safran
P: +33 7 86 10 59 16 / +33 1 40 60 82 20 - E: isabelle.javary[.]safrangroup.com.
Paul Wirbel - Safran
P: +33 6 88 12 54 70 - E: paul.wirbel[.]safrangroup.com.
Philippe Gmerek - Airbus
P: +33(0)6 13 19 37 27 - E: philippe.gmerek[.]airbus.com.
Valérie Sueur - Tikehau Capital
P: +33(0)1 53 59 03 64 - E: press[.]tikehaucapital.com.
Juliette Mouraret - Tikehau Capital
P: +33(0)1 53 70 74 70 - E: press[.]tikehaucapital.com.
Investor Relations
Armelle Gary - Safran
P: +33 1 40 60 82 46 - E: armelle.gary[.]safrangroup.com.
Baptiste Delpierre - Safran
P: +33(0)1 40 60 27 26 - E: baptiste.delpierre[.]safrangroup.com.
Marine Guerret - Safran
P: +33(0)1 40 60 82 19 - E: marine.guerret[.]safrangroup.com.
Contact Analystes et Investisseurs
Théodora Xu - Tikehau Capital
P: +33(0)1 40 06 18 56 - E: shareholders[.]tikehaucapital.com.
Contact Analystes et Investisseurs
Julie Tomasi - Tikehau Capital
P: +33(0)1 40 06 58 44 - E: shareholders[.]tikehaucapital.com.
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catherine.malek[.]safrangroup.com 
