HEICO Acquires Cook Defence Systems with 80% Stake, Seeks Annual Earnings Accretion
HEI•HEICO's Flight Support Group acquired Cook Defence Systems to form HEICO-Cook Defence, with HEICO holding 80% and William Cook Holdings retaining 20%, led by Managing Director William Cook. The acquisition, targeting armored vehicle track systems, is expected to be accretive within one year and boost international defense revenues.
1. Acquisition Agreement
HEICO’s Flight Support Group acquired Cook Defence Systems to form the joint venture HEICO-Cook Defence, in which HEICO holds an 80% stake and William Cook Holdings retains 20%. Managing Director William Cook and the existing management team will continue leading operations. Financial terms were not disclosed.
2. Cook Defence Systems Overview
Founded in 1994 and operating from Stanhope, UK with approximately 130 employees, Cook Defence Systems designs and manufactures mission-critical track systems, sprockets, running gear and components for armored fighting vehicles. The company supplies national defense ministries and leading OEMs, supports both new vehicle production and aftermarket replacement, and reports most revenue from non-U.S. markets.
3. Strategic and Financial Impact
HEICO expects the acquisition to be accretive to earnings within one year of closing as global defense spending increases. The deal expands HEICO’s international footprint in armored vehicle systems and leverages Cook’s proprietary engineering capabilities to drive long-term value creation.
